Mike Perry was arrested on DUI charges Saturday. A video surfaced Wednesday showing how it went down, and it featured some ugly language from the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star and former UFC veteran.
Published by TMZ, the video is bodycam footage of the arresting officer. After pulling Perry over and asking him if he knew he was speeding, the Lake County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office deputy notices an odor of alcohol from Perry and requests he step out of the car.
Perry consents to a pat down but refuses to perform a sobriety test, resulting in his arrest. As he’s being handcuffed and taken into custody, Perry calls his wife Latory to tell her about the situation and uses repeated anti-gay slurs to describe the officers taking him in:
“Latory, I’m getting arrested, because I’m not doing no bulls*** sobriety tests, so just relax honey. I’ll be home soon. They know exactly who I am. They’re f***ing mad. F*** these f*****s, couple of f*****s. They’re a couple of f*****s, forget about it.”
In a later moment, when the officers are searching Perry’s vehicle, Perry uses a receipt found to brag about his wealth, while continuing to use the slurs:
“Take a look at that receipt motherf***er. Your wife ain’t got s*** that cost that much, f*****. How about that, p****. Put that s*** on f***ing Instagram, f*****. F*** you, f*****. You’re a couple of f*****s. F*** you.”
The language drew little response from the officers, who are later seen discussing the situation with Latory before she drives away with the car.
The arrest occurred at 1:04 a.m. on Oct. 12 in Claremont, Florida, with Perry getting booked at 4:36 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, plus refusing to sign a citation requiring a court appearance. Both are second degree misdemeanors. He was released at 9:41 a.m. after paying $1,500 total bond has a court date scheduled for Oct. 30.
You can see the whole scene play out here:
Perry subsequently issued a statement of apology Wednesday afternoon on social media.
I am writing this to express my deepest apologies for the inappropriate and disrespectful language I used towards members of the Clermont police department. I understand that my words were hurtful and offensive, and I sincerely regret my actions.
I recognize the important and often difficult work that law enforcement officers do to keep our community safe, and I truly respect the dedication and sacrifice that comes with the job. My behavior was inexcusable, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
Please know that this incident does not reflect how I truly feel about the [Police Department/Officers], and I will make every effort to ensure this type of behavior never happens again. I hope you can accept my apology as sincere, and I will be more mindful and respectful in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
While a professional athlete using such language would typically be shocking, Perry is not a typical professional athlete. Ugly incidents have been more feature than bug with him going back to his years in the UFC. He has been caught on video punching a man and using racial slurs at a restaurant, proclaimed he is allowed to use the slur because he is 2% Black and been accused of abuse by his ex-wife, which included a disturbing 911 call.
Perry denied the abuse allegations and apologized about the restaurant incident.
When fighting, Perry has become of the marquee fighters for BKFC after an MMA career that saw him go 14-8 (7-8 with the UFC). He also became the latest MMA fighter to box Jake Paul in July, losing by TKO in the sixth round.
