Skateboarding journalist Robert Brink has announced that he is stepping away from skate journalism.
As we previously reported, Brink wants to help victims of abuse, grooming, racism, homophobia and other issues within the skateboarding community.
READ MORE: Robert Brink to Expose Predators, Physical & Sexual Abusers in the Skateboarding Industry
The "To Catch a Predator" style skate writer has spent years working on stories involving people who were willing to speak about their experiences, including victims of sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment.
His reporting also attracted a lot of criticism and, according to Brink, death threats from people who did not want those stories being told.
Now he says he is done.
In a post announcing his resignation, Brink said he had reached a point where continuing his work was taking too much of a toll on him.
RELATED: Robert Brink Exposes USA Skateboarding Team For Owing Ex-Staff More Than 2 Months
He specifically said he had been “too close” to killing himself several times, although he added that he was okay at the time of writing.
Brink wrote:
“Guys, I'm out.
Can't do it anymore.
Gonna end up offing myself with this bullshit that no one wants anyway. Been too close a few times, but I'm ok now.”
Brink went on to explain that he still loves journalism and originally wanted to create something within skateboarding that had not been done before.
His goal, according to his post, was to investigate issues that he felt needed attention and give victims a place to be heard.
RELATED: Skater Girl Liz Wilson Speaks Out About Alleged Abuse by Well-Known Skateboarder
He now believes continuing down that path is not worth what it has cost him personally.
“I love journalism and I wanted to help and do something skateboarding hasn't yet seen... and perhaps needed, but it isn't working,” Brink wrote.
He also expressed frustration with the skateboarding industry and the reaction to his reporting.
Brink criticized people he believes have protected or tolerated racists, abusers, groomers, rapists, queerphobes, bullies and people who exploit skaters financially.
His departure also appears to mean the end of several stories he had been working on.
Brink said he had numerous pieces in progress and apologized to women and marginalized people who may feel disappointed by his decision to leave.
At the same time, he noted that the work he has already published will remain available.
“All existing work and content will stay published,” he wrote.
Brink also thanked the people who supported the victims he worked with. He specifically credited those individuals for standing behind the people who came forward and trusted him with their stories.
RELATED: Dane Burman Leaves Zero After Yasmin Benoit Alleges Messaging Her When She Was a Minor
He claimed that some of his previous reporting helped expose an alleged abuser and a person he described as a long suspected serial child groomer.
He also referenced his reporting involving Zero Skateboards head honcho Jamie Thomas.
The post then became even more direct as Brink used his final words to make several accusations and references involving figures in skateboarding.
He also said, "Robert Neal is a piece of shit."
Brink then alleged serious misconduct and claimed that a video involving Nyjah Huston and Chase Webb exists.
READ MORE: Nyjah Huston Breaks Silence on Sexual Assault Allegations, Calls Them Completely False
Brink also stated that he had access to the video but said possessing it was illegal.
"Illegal to hold though... but I had access to it," he explained.
He criticized Girl Skateboards co-founder Mike Carroll over what he said happened to Marc.
Those claims are Brink's allegations and have not been independently established here at ShreddER's platform.
Despite walking away from skate journalism, Brink does not appear to be leaving writing altogether.
He said he has a book unrelated to skateboarding that he wants to work on, along with several creative projects that he is excited about.
He also left open the possibility of returning to some unfinished skateboarding stories at some point.
For now, though, he appears to be choosing a different direction.
Brink ended his statement by telling people to take care of their mental health and not to be the first person to treat someone badly, while also encouraging people not to accept mistreatment from others.
RELATED: Bastien Salabanzi Calls Out the Justice System for Protecting Pedophiles and Sex Offenders
His departure brings an end, at least for now, to a period of skate journalism centered heavily on stories that many within the community would prefer not to discuss.
Most importantly, Brink's comments about being “too close” to killing himself several times show that this was not simply a career decision for him.
He described reaching a deeply difficult point and ultimately deciding that continuing the work was no longer something he could do safely.
The good news is that he says he is safe, and we at the ShreddER team wish Brink nothing but the best.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone. Please reach out to someone you trust or call your local crisis hotline for support. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
