Michael Rodrigues Speaks: “Nothing Justifies The Aggression I Have Received”

Despite multiple attempts to contact Michael Rodrigues about yesterday’s fight with Tanner Hendrickson, Stab never received a response from the Brazilian CT surfer.

Today, M-Rod offered a response to the situation via his personal Instagram. Please read below.

(The following has been translated via Google Translate, which is never perfect but, based on our commenters’ response to a real Brazilian’s translation of yesterday’s fight video, nothing really is).

Michael Rodrigues: Faced with the repercussion of the aggression I suffered here in Hawaii, I would like to say that I am fine and focused solely on the competition here at Pipeline, and my career as a professional surfer. In addition, I repudiate any and all acts of violence against me, or against any other living being. Nothing justifies the aggression I have received, so I feel obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that unfortunate events such as these do not recur, with me, or against any other athlete and/or person. Finally, the WSL has already demonstrated that surfing, as a top-level sport, no longer tolerates this type of behavior. I hope this fact does not negatively affect the sport of surfing, let alone my career. I’m a surfer, athlete! Hugs to all, and thanks for the support.

Without casting any judgement, we’re curious to hear our commenters’ interpretation of M-Rod’s diplomatic and self-victimizing response. 

And speaking of victims, Richard Ciesco, a fan of “justified” surf regulation and presumably Tanner Hendrickson, started a GoFundMe account to help Tanner cover his $5,000 WSL fee for fighting Michael Rodrigues. 

Here’s some copy from the page:

We have all experienced it before, an aggressive surfers on and off the beach. Sometimes you need to give them a reminder to cut it off and be respectful. That is what Tanner Hendrickson did last night in Hawaii. Because of his encounter with another surfer he has been kick out of the Pipe event and must pay the WSL a $5000 fine.  

This campaign is to help him pay this fine so he can focus on surfing.

If you agree with Richard and would like to help Tanner pay his $5,000 fee, you can do that here.