JONESBORO, Ga. -- The police officer who cried Bigfoot wants his job back.

Former Clayton County Officer Matthew Whitton has filed an appeal of his August termination.

Chief Jeff Turner says he fired Whitton because the officer ruined his credibility when he and Rick Dyer sought media attention, saying they found the body of the legendary man-ape.

“He's been an embarrassment. This is basically a disgrace to be in law enforcement. You must have integrity. He has none,” said Turner when he fired Whitton.

The men held a press conference with Searching for Bigfoot Inc. director Tom Biscardi and showed photos and DNA results to make their claim.

Biscardi paid the men for access to the body being kept in a freezer at a secret location. Ice melted to reveal a rubber costume stuffed with animal entrails.

Legal observers say court cases in which Whitton was going to be a key witness will likely be dismissed because of the issue of his credibility.