(WSB Radio) -- Two men who got international attention by announcing they found Bigfoot in the north Georgia mountains say it was just a big joke.
Matt Whitton, a Clayton County police officer shot while in the line of duty in July, tells Channel 2 Action News, “I don't believe it does affect my credibility at all because this is Bigfoot. It would be one thing if I came out and said that I had something else that is tangible and real but right now as far as I'm concerned there is no real Bigfoot.
But Clayton County Police Chief Jeff Turner isn't laughing. He fired Whitton after the hoax was announced.
Whitton and Rick Dyer have hired attorney Steve Lister who says they've done nothing wrong.
WSB's Jennifer Griffies reports
Chief Turner reacts to news of the hoax
What others are saying
- Bigfoot? Bigfool!!!!He should be fired and fined for making the whole police department look stupid by having such an idiot on staff!!
Would you want this KOOK arresting your family member? Yourself? And how could any jury take is testimony seroiusly ever again, knowing he thinks its funny and no big deal to deceive the american public? What an IDIOT!!!! - Bigfoot LaughsI cannot believe he got fired over that! I mean, STUPID, yes. Does it affect his credibility? I'm thinkin the guy isn't so smart to begin with. But if he took money for it that THAT might be a crime.
Good grief. Some people get so worked up over STOOPIDNESS. - bigfootI thought he accidentally shot himself in the wrist. I didn't think it was in the line of duty or anything. I don't think he would be suffering an post traumatic event related to being stupid.
- bigfootThis is probably the funniest thing I've heard of in a long time.All you other dimwits need to lighten up a little.How does this affect your life in any negative way?Probably because you feel so stupid for believing these guys.Get a life!!!
- BigfootPlease have your uniforms dry cleaned before turning them in, don't want any weird hairs on them.
- ApplauseI'm applauding Chief Jeff Turner for firing Whitton. I don't want this kind of kook having the power to detain or arrest me. What he committed was fraud. He also put Georgia in the "stupid" limelight again. Whitton repeat after me "you want fries with that?"
- Jokedid they collect money? that is not funny! A police officer should be an outstanding citizen and have better ethical morals then to joke around like that.
- Joke?I'm not laughing. Lock those idiots up!
- It was a joke...Knock knock??? Who's there??? You're Fired!!!
- The big foot hoaxPerhaps the heroic deputies actions in regards to the big foot hoax could be explained by post traumatic stress disorder from being shot in the line of duty. Was he offered any kind of counseling??
- bigfootClassic, I haven't laughed so hard, for so long, in forever. Thanks the guys hope everything works out.
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