Brian Butler, Paul Felder`s manager, is addressing Colby Covington`s recent claims about his client. Covington recounted a story from a 2017 military base visit, alleging Felder was drunk and handcuffed to a toilet by military police.
Covington`s story emerged after Felder, on his podcast with Michael Bisping, suggested Covington`s trash-talking persona was fading and seemed forced. Covington responded by bringing up the alleged incident at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, claiming Felder drank excessively, insulted Butler, and trashed his hotel room, leading to intervention by military police.
Butler acknowledged hearing Covington`s version of events and was surprised, given Covington had previously expressed respect for Felder. He noted that while Covington is often perceived negatively due to his public persona, he has generally been respectful and genuine in Butler`s personal encounters.
However, Butler stated that Covington`s story about Felder`s behavior on the military base exaggerates the truth significantly. While Felder isn`t particularly bothered by the story, Butler wants to clarify that the more extreme elements, such as Felder being arrested and handcuffed, are untrue.
Butler explained that during the military tour, which included Miesha Tate and Stitch Duran, the group had enjoyed drinks in the hotel lobby after a day spent with the troops. He admits that alcohol was consumed, possibly in excess, by everyone present.
According to Butler, Felder, known for his self-deprecating humor, became irritated by Butler`s teasing. Felder abruptly announced he was going to bed and left for his room. The group jokingly continued their banter, which Felder humorously responded to from the elevator.
Later, Butler received a call from Felder about a broken hotel room. Upon investigation, they found water leaking from under Felder`s door. Concerned, Butler and others tried to get Felder to open the door, fearing he had passed out and caused a leak.
Butler mentioned jokingly threatening to call military police to get Felder to open the door. Eventually, Felder opened the door, and Butler, accompanied by Covington, entered to find water coming from the bathroom. Felder claimed he broke the toilet by slamming the lid.
Butler and Covington helped Felder move to another room and clean up. Butler appreciated Covington`s support in entering the room, while others hesitated. He clarified that despite the drinking and broken toilet, the situation was resolved without military police involvement or handcuffs.
Butler emphasized that the following morning, the incident became a source of humor, with everyone, including military personnel, teasing Felder. He confirmed that while there was drinking and a broken toilet, the more dramatic parts of Covington`s story, like arrest and handcuffing, were fabricated. Butler appreciates Covington`s gesture of support that night and maintains a good relationship with Felder and the military base personnel, who often joke about the event.
