The founder and CEO of CrossFit is stepping down after his tweet about George Floyd sparked a social media backlash and a wave of affiliated gyms cut ties with the company.

Greg Glassman, who wrote on CrossFit's website late Tuesday that he would retire, had apologized earlier for tweets that sparked online outrage by connecting Floyd, an African American man who died in Minneapolis police custody, and the coronavirus pandemic. He said he had made a mistake and should have been more sensitive, but denied being racist.

“On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members,” Glassman said. “I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ's or affiliates' missions.”