– WEC general manager Reed Harris was on MMAJunkie.com Radio, and discussed the new ban on the Hoelzer Reich Clothing Brand. The line has come under fire, due to symbolism associated with Nazism, including the Iron Cross, logos closely resembling those such as the “SS” used by the Schutzstaffel, the Totenkopf skull, and other mottos and symbols associated with Nazi Germany. Harris said:
“I’ll tell you my personal opinion: I’m against any group that obviously portrays the white, Aryan stuff, or any of that stuff. I don’t know if that necessarily involves [Hoelzer Reich]. I’ve been told that it may. If it does, I’m not going to support it. That’s my own opinion. If you look at our fighters, we are a diverse group. If you go to our office and look at who works there – I’ve worked for a lot of companies – it’s the most diverse group of people I’ve ever worked with, and it’s wonderful. I’m not sure how [Hoelzer Reich sponsorships] are all going to play out, but I’ve started to kind of look into it myself. I’m not sure if it’s something that’s going to work in the WEC.”
In a statement on the company’s official website, Hoelzer Reich co-owners Jed Colvin and Jamie Vine deny that there are any negative indications with their clothing:
“We do not have any political affiliations with any organizations, nor specific views of any controversial parties. Our interest in the Iron Cross and German history comes strictly from a historical and ancestral standpoint. For many years, we have collected German memorabilia dating back to the early 1800’s which has been passed through the family for generations.The Iron cross symbol and other German-inspired imagery used on our apparel dates back hundreds of years, and does not depict a certain time of German History.”
Controversy over the brand started at the Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, when UFC newcomer Joe Brammer wore a Hoelzer Reich shirt to the cage for his preliminary card bout with Mark Bocek. The fight made TV, and concern from outraged and concerned observers spread throughout the mixed martial arts community.
