Sep 03 Updated: Yves Lavigne vs...Le Journal de Montreal??

If already being the subject of legal action by pro MMA fighter David "The Crow" wasn't enough, Yves Lavigne now feels he has cause to take up legal action against Le Journal de Montreal. While the disputed interview has been pulled from its website, various websites have already copy and pasted the damaging remarks the author says was made by the UFC referee in reference to Josh Koscheck and his upcoming fight against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 124 at the Bell Center in Montreal. When Le Journal de Montreal initially ran their story about David Loiseau which strongly insinuated unfounded reports that "The Crow" had ties to organized crime, the resulting impact was a postponement for Loiseau (UFC 113) in having to clear up the negative press issues before he was finally allowed to fight at the next UFC event in Vancouver (UFC 115).

However, one can argue that this "interview" can be far more damaging to Yves Lavigne's career. Referee's of any sport must appear to be completely unbiased, and the reportedly inflammatory remarks can end his officiating career. David Simon, host of the RINGSIDE REPORT on the TEAM 990, was in communication with Yves Lavigne, and according to a response from Yves Lavigne that Mr. Simon posted on his twitter account:

Just got an e-mail from Yves Lavigne with the following 3 statements: 1. "I NEVER gave an interview to that journalist" Yves Lavigne comment 2. "I NEVER gave an interview regarding GSP vs Koscheck" and 3. "My lawyer is taking care of this matter."

We have reached out to MMA fighter Josh Koscheck, to see if he has a change of heart should this story prove false. Here is what he had to say earlier when he first found out about what Yves Lavigne reportedly said in the interview:

"UFC referee, Yves Lavigne is clearly not suited to be a referee after his rant of personal attacks and opinions on me as a fighter.  It’s supposed to be his job to look at a fight unbiased, but how can anyone trust this guy to fairly referee any fight ever again after his comments?  It's scary to think this guy has been calling fights in the octagon for this long. It's very fair to say Mr. Lavigne will never ref one of my fights again. I would never put all my hard work as a fighter or my livelihood in the hands of this ref.

The (UFC) and the commission would be irresponsible to let him continue his job- any call this guy makes would have to be questioned. You call MMA a professional sport?  Well, professional starts at the top. Never would an NFL, NBA or other major sports official state there personal opinions publicly about a player and keep their job.  I now question every call Yves has ever made as a referee. Hopefully no fighter ever has to step into a fight with Yves Lavigne as referee.  Better get that resume ready Lavigne….."

Josh Koscheck

3 updates:

1 - David Simon posted the story on RINGSIDE REPORT, citing "Exclusive" comments made by MMA Referee Yves Lavigne. The comments I posted where made public via his twitter account.

2 - The article may have been pulled from the website linked to above, but the original article in 24 Heures is still available (courtesy of link identified in the above article by David Simon)

3 - Josh Koscheck just reported the following via his twitter account: So someone just had it out 4poor Yves?Ya right! I sill don't give a fuck he's never ref1of my fights again&other fighters should watch out.

Tags: Georges St-Pierre \ GSP \ Josh Koscheck \ MMA \ UFC \ UFC 124 \ Yves Lavigne