To me, the most interesting part of the Junie Browning Saga is the butterfly effect that happens when you say “what if…?”

For example, what if Junie had gotten kicked off of TUF? It probably would have showed him that he needed to straighten up and get his life in order, instead of negatively reinforcing his self-destructive actions. But then again would he have had the opportunity to train with Shawn Tompkins, someone who has been more kind and caring to Junie than perhaps anyone [probably] ever has?

To me, it was inexcusable of the UFC to cut Junie. Not after they road him during TUF. It’s obvious he needs serious psychological help. I used to loathe him during TUF, but now I pity him and am thankful he has friends like the ones who got him to the hospital and Tompkins, who has taken him in after his run-ins with the law and other recent outbreaks.

I saw potential in Browning during TUF. Maybe I was biased because he and I share the same opinion of amateur wrestlers making a transition to MMA. But I do feel like in the right environment and with the right frame of mind, Junie can be a legitimate prospect once again. I hope Junie comes back and conquers his demons and shows us that he is better than what we are seeing now, as a fighter and as a human being.