In another instance of fan-led fact-checking, former UFC star and podcast host Brendan Schaub’s claimed collaboration with Carhartt has been exposed as unauthorized merchandise reselling. The controversy came to light when fans discovered Schaub’s new driving-themed channel “Drive Fast All Gas” was selling what appeared to be Carhartt products at marked-up prices.
History of Similar Incidents
This isn’t the first time Schaub has faced scrutiny over merchandise claims. During the pandemic, he encountered a similar situation with bicycle manufacturer Specialized.
In that instance, Schaub’s “Thiccc Boy Bike Club” was forced to cease sales after fans alerted Specialized about unauthorized merchandise reselling. The bike controversy was particularly notable as Schaub had claimed to be an avid cyclist while reportedly using an e-bike.
Ongoing Pattern with Thiccc Boy Brand
Despite previous controversies, Schaub continues similar practices with his Thiccc Boy brand. Recent investigations by fans revealed that he purchases basic t-shirts from BYLT at $14.80 each, adds Thiccc Boy branding, and resells them at a significant markup of $35.00 while marketing them as “Thiccc Boy X BYLT Collaborations.” This practice mirrors the Specialized situation, demonstrating that despite previous backlash, Schaub continues to misrepresent basic merchandise customization as official brand collaborations.
The Carhartt Incident
The latest controversy began when Schaub advertised what he claimed was a collaboration with Carhartt for his “Drive Fast All Gas” brand. However, after fans contacted Carhartt directly, the company quickly clarified their position through their website policy:
“No Implied Affiliation, Collaboration, or Association. Customized goods should not be construed as creating an affiliation, collaboration, or any other type of association between You and Carhartt.”
Furthermore, Carhartt’s explicit policy states: “The Website is intended solely for Carhartt to sell Carhartt products directly to customers for their own private business use, and therefore purchase of products for resale is strictly prohibited.”
Broader Context of Promotional Concerns
This incident occurs against a backdrop of declining viewership for Schaub’s content. YouTube analytics show his podcast “The Fighter and the Kid” has experienced a significant drop in views, from 12 million views in March 2023 to just 800,000 views in recent months. The declining numbers coincide with other controversial promotional activities, including his endorsement of Safety Shot, a beverage under FDA investigation for questionable claims about reducing blood alcohol content.
Fan Response
The reddit community dedicated to TFATK (The Fighter and the Kid) has become particularly vigilant in fact-checking Schaub’s business ventures. Their investigation into the Carhartt situation mirrors their previous exposure of the Specialized bike club controversy, demonstrating a pattern of the fanbase acting as watchdogs against potentially misleading business practices.
Outcome
Following the fan intervention and presumably communication from Carhartt, Schaub was compelled to remove the unauthorized merchandise from his website. This incident adds to a growing list of promotional controversies surrounding the former UFC fighter, including questionable health product endorsements and unauthorized brand collaborations.
