SYLVESTER STALLONE - STALLONE BELIEVES HIS SHOW IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SUICIDE

LATEST: SYLVESTER STALLONE refuses to accept his upcoming reality TV show THE CONTENDER is to blame for the apparent suicide of promising boxer NAJAI TURPIN.

Turpin, a contestant on the ROCKY star's boxing reality show, shot himself last week (ends18FEB05), to the astonishment of both producers and his fellow contenders.

And while Stallone, who attended Turpin's funeral with SUGAR RAY LEONARD on Friday (18FEB05), is shocked by the incident, he doubts his show is linked to the tragedy.

He says, "This unfortunate occurrence seems to have nothing to do with boxing but other personal issues that we really don't know much about."

Stallone says Turpin's presence will remain throughout the series, which is set to premiere in America on 7 March (05).

The actor adds, "I loved this man. I loved what he stood for. He was incredibly brave. When he was with his child, you saw the child in him come out."