Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith was arrested Monday in Nebraska and charged with three felonies.
While Smith has not spoken publicly since then, his manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, shared a pair of statements Friday, asking the public to withhold judgment at this time.
One such statement was from himself. The other was from Smith's wife, the alleged victim in the case, according to the Sarpy County (Neb.) attorney's office.
"We are aware of the reports concerning Anthony Smith’s recent arrest," Butler wrote in a statement shared with MMA Junkie that was also posted on his Instagram. "At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations or speculate regarding facts that have yet to be fully established.
Like every individual, Anthony is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded under our justice system. We respectfully ask that people avoid rushing to judgment based solely on initial reports, as they often do not reflect the complete facts or context.
"Our thoughts are with Anthony and his family as they navigate this difficult and deeply personal matter. We ask that their privacy be respected while the legal process runs its course. Out of respect for the ongoing proceedings, we will have no further comment at this time."
In addition to a statement of his own, Butler shared a comment that appeared to be from Smith's wife Mikhala's Instagram, though the account is private. The comment tacked up the alleged incident that led to Smith's arrest to a mental health issue where Smith was being protected from himself.
"There's not a lot I can say right now," the comment reads. "I love Anthony with every ounce of my being! He is a good man, a great dad, and an incredible husband who loves us endlessly. Anyone that knows him can attest to that. They made a mental health struggle into something it wasn't. I am safe and always was safe. He would never hurt me. Ever. I called for help to protect him from himself."
Smith, 38, currently faces three felony charges: first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. He is scheduled back in court Aug. 17 after being released on $500,000 bond Wednesday.
According to the attorney's office, Smith is accused of threatening to kill his wife if she did not go home with him following an altercation at a bar in Gretna, Neb., after which he grabbed her and pushed her into the vehicle. The attorney's office further alleges that investigators concluded Smith tried multiple times to hit his wife with the vehicle when she escaped during the drive, but that she was able to maneuver out of the way and avoid physical harm. A warrant was issued, and Smith later turned himself in, according to officials.
While it was not in the attorney's office statement, courtroom video by KETV7 of Wednesday's initial hearing captured discussion between the parties of reports of gunshots coming from the home and Smith allegedly threatening to kill himself.
Smith currently serves as an analyst for UFC events, working the desk. He is no longer an active fighter for the promotion, though he did come out of retirement to compete in an April bout for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.
UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the incident in an interview Friday with The Mac Life, and he seemed to withhold judgment on Smith's situation.
"Well, he's one of those guys, too, you don't expect to see that happen," White said. "(From) personal experience, it can happen to anybody. I don't know enough about it. I don't know enough of the details. I've been on the road this whole time, but I just hope it works out for him and his family and his kids."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Anthony Smith's manager issues statement after arrest, including comment from wife
