It is rare to see Jake Paul act any differently than the character he portrays in front of the cameras, but that was the case when he sent a heartfelt message to Ben Askren.
As his name suggests, ‘The Problem Child’ loves to cause controversy and has done throughout his years in the public eye. The more uproar the 28-year-old can cause the better for his career, but that persona wasn’t on show during a recent message to Askren.
Amid Ben Askren’s life-threatening battle, many have jumped to support the MMA legend. Alongside some of his peers, Jake Paul is the latest to send love to Askren.
“My prayers go out to him,” Paul told media during his during the open workouts for his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr this weekend. “I feel sorry for his family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
“I just hope that he can recover because there’s much more to life besides fighting and careers.”
Jake Paul ended his message by offering his hand in support of Ben Askren and his family, should they need it.
“I’m wishing the best and I’m here if they need any support.”
Related: Ben Askren on lung transplant list and showing signs of improvement
However, this isn’t the first time Paul has wanted to help Askren since the news broke. According to Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the influencer wanted to contact his former opponent’s family but opted against it to prevent any lines being crossed.
“He hit me up two weeks ago when the news broke,” Bidarian stated. “He asked me if I had heard and I said no.”
“He said, ‘I wanted to reach out to his family but I think it’s inappropriate. But if they need anything, I’m there for them.’ That’s who this kid is.” [h/t Bloody Elbow]
Ben Askren was taken to hospital with a severe case of pneumonia and staph infection.
Since then, his situation has shifted and a lung transplant is now being explored with Askren being put on a ventilator.
