Ben Askren’s Controversial Promotion of ‘FUNKY’ Token Sparks Backlash

Former UFC star Ben Askren, known for his recent battle with severe pneumonia and a lung transplant, faced criticism after endorsing a Solana meme coin that quickly crashed, leaving investors at a loss.

The Promotion and Fallout

Askren promoted the token ‘FUNKY,’ linked to his wrestling and MMA persona, through a paid partnership with celebrity coin creator Sahil Arora. Despite Arora confirming Askren’s awareness of the coin before promotion, the token’s value plummeted soon after, exhibiting signs of a ‘rug pull’ exit scam.

Health Struggles and Endorsement

Askren’s recent health challenges, including a near-death experience and memory loss, drew significant sympathy. His involvement in promoting a meme coin right after leaving the hospital raised eyebrows and ethical concerns.

Controversy Unveiled

Initial speculations of a hacked account were dispelled when it was revealed that Askren willingly endorsed the meme coin as part of a paid deal with Arora. This revelation sparked a debate on the ethics of leveraging vulnerable individuals for crypto promotions.

Arora’s Reputation and Financial Impact

Arora, known for engaging celebrities in meme coin promotions without full transparency, had faced accusations of non-payment to endorsers in the past. While his previous project with Jenner gained significant market capitalization, ‘FUNKY’ failed to gain momentum, peaking at a meager $29,000 and causing financial losses for Arora.

This incident highlights the necessity of thorough research and transparency in crypto endorsements, particularly when influential personalities or individuals facing challenges are involved.