But his comparison of the death of African-American man George Floyd in police custody with the coronavirus pandemic was instantly condemned as racist.
Sports gear company Reebok and several gyms have pulled out of their partnership with CrossFit. Business Insider reported that many posted public responses to Glassman's comment online.
"Wow, this is beyond tone deaf. Thank you for letting your black athletes know how little you care about them," wrote one Twitter user.
According to Stuff, Kiwi actress and former CrossFit fan Anna Paquin said she would have nothing to do with the brand in the future.
"You are either a racist or an anti-racist. #gregglassman and #crossfithq have picked the wrong side. I don't need a brand name to maintain my commitment to fitness," she wrote in an Instagram post.
CrossFit Central Wellington released a statement in response to Glassman's comments.
"While we are considering what our next steps are as a business we cannot and will not stand with these comments or beliefs."