Colbert Did Nothing Wrong

2021 and people in Texas have to forgo medical treatment because their doctors and nurses are afraid to be sued by carpetbagging randos who have been basically deputized by the state to interfere in hopes of earning $10,000 bounties.

#uglydogs for every RT of the above tweet or this one, I will contribute $1 up to $125 for Texans to access care. If anyone has the means and feels compelled to match funds, we can double the impact. secure.actblue.com/donate/te…

As Ryan Redington once told me, “Trophies and race purses aren't what's important. I’d be out there with my dogs on the Iditarod trail even if first prize was a bag of kibble.”

When I see ya'll giving to AK schools, to Native Movement, to Skiku, to search & rescue, to dogs in need, to preservation of historic trail, I have absolutely no doubt we’re here to stay & the great spirit of this trail will live on whatever race management does or doesn't do.

Quite possibly the proudest public endeavor this community makes is the #igivearod campaign, which does vital work in Alaska that will have ripples for a lifetime. I know it’s been a strange year with a strange race, but...

I value your feedback, even when it’s not easy to hear or when it takes me a while to absorb and/or truly "get." There is no question this community makes me a better person who makes better decisions, & I value the accountability & treasure the trust we’ve collectively built.

Nor do I ever want Ugly Dogs to be fearful of voicing concerns about my ideas or actions. I will not stand by and allow the tremendous strength of our community to be diminished even one iota by in-fighting.

The dogs know nothing about any of this, and that is one of the best gifts every single musher out there has. I am also grateful to the volunteers who make traveling this trail possible and to the fans who make it into a celebration like no other.

In absolutely no way am I willing to turn my negative attention from the mismanagement of this race toward other racers out on the trail. My heart is very much with them, and I’m proud of the amazing journeys friends like Will have made with their teams to be here.

I've been grateful to @adndotcom for this Beth Bragg article revealing some of the shortcomings of the race's COVID plan. I'm optimistic there will be no outbreak, but the consequences would be so terrible that it's important we see this. @adniditarod adn.com/outdoors-adventure/i…

When media doesn't examine RGO claims, we take great risk to say anything. A reporter noted to me yestrday that mushers in race can’t speak out bc of a “gag rule." It was a good reminder of pressure they’re under as they try to compete in their sport & in some cases make a living

It's vulnerable as a professional athlete to stand up against the biggest org in my sport. When I do so, I know I stand with and for many of the athletes in the sport, who are also working to bring about positive change, whether or not they have the support to do so publicly.

I know that the information has been uncomfortable to hear, and it may be tempting to dismiss it, or to turn your anger on me instead. Know that I did not speak up lightly, and I will be dealing with the repercussions for some time.