NSAC: Marijuana Worse Than Steroids

NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) has handed down their punishments for fighters who tested positive for banned substances. Nick Diaz received a 6-month suspension, was fined $3,000, and his win over Takanori Gomi is ruled a NC (no contest). This seemed very odd considering CSAC (California State Athletic Commission) had the same case against Diego Sanchez. Sanchez received 3-month suspension, $500 fine, the fight remains a win for Diego, and did not disclose the results to the public.

Thiago Alves tested positive for Steroids, Josh Barnett, Tim Sylvia, Vitor Belfort, Pawel Nastula, and many more. In every single one of these steroid infested fights, not one has been overturned or made a NC. The commission stated they believed Diaz used Marijuana to "numb the pain" in his fight with Gomi, and thus it was an "enhancing" drug. As ludicrous as that is, how about the fact, steroids are without question, an enhancing drug, and are fined less, and the suspension is less, than for marijuana? Could it be there is already corruption in the fledgling sport of MMA, whenever big name stars such as Gomi, and Sanchez are involved, it seems the answer is yes.

It is a sad state of affairs indeed. I already miss the Japanese run Pride FC shows where nothing was tested for. Seems then a guy could smoke a little pot, and then battle a roided meatball without being targeted as the most vile of fighters. So Nick and all the other pot smoking fighters, put down the pipe, and pick up the needle. The commissions will go easier on you.

If you are as dissatisfied as I am about these events, please let the NSAC know

Nevada Athletic Commission 555

E. Washington Ave. Ste 3200

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

(702)486-2575

boxing@govmail.state.nv.us

Hidehiko Yoshida is fighting in the first Zuffa run Pride show this summer, and it will mark his journey into the 205 Light Heavyweight division, where he is going to make a run at the title (source-MMANews.com) in the UFC later in the year. Though maybe past his prime, Yoshida is a proud and cagey warrior, who will spice up the lackluster division.

Josh Barnett has no contract with Pride FC, and is a free agent. Josh has not been contacted by anyone from Zuffa at this time. It should be noted, Josh Barnett had a bad falling out with the Zuffa brass when he tested positive for steroids while he was the Heavyweight Champion, and turned his back on the company and headed to Pride FC. There may be some sort of black list developing, which was one of my main concerns with Zuffa buying Pride. Maybe a stint at Bodog will be in order for the talented Barnett where he could face Fedor Emelianenko!

Once again Tito Ortiz has made an ass of himself at the latest UFC event. Tito was seen walking past future opponent Rashad Evans (who was seated with his girlfriend) when Ortiz began talking shit to him and telling him he won't be ready for their fight. Rashad got to his feet when Tito shoved Rashad back while others stepped in to quell the skirmish, as Tito walked away like the class act he is.