UFC President Dana White reiterated his stance that lightweight champion Sean Sherk would be stripped of his 155-pound title if the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) shoots down his steroids appeal in October, according to FOXSports.com.
“The Muscle Shark” was popped for having traces of the banned illegal anabolic steroid known as nandrolone in his system during his successful title defense against Hermes Franca at UFC 73: “Stacked” on July 7.
Throughout this scandal White has supported the Minnesota-based fighter and refuses to pass judgement until a final decision is reached with the CSAC. That stance hasn’t changed, considering White came out with guns blazing yesterday when the topic was introduced during UFC 74 media day.
Here’s a snip:
“I’ve said this a million times: Sean Sherk is a good guy. I’ve known him for a long time. I don’t think he’s a liar…. You could look at him and the guy looks like a bodybuilder. But this is a kid who won’t walk through the casino because he doesn’t want to inhale smoke. He tells me he didn’t take steroids. I believe him. That (appeal decision) is not up to me. That’s up to the California State Athletic Commission.”
Sherk was penciled in to face BJ Penn at UFC 78 at the Prudential Arena in Newark, N.J., on November 17. However, if the appeal is denied he will be suspended for 12 months and his 155-pound strap will be up for grabs.
It’s widely believed that with a win over Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 74 this weekend, Joe Stevenson will earn a date with Penn later this year to fight for the vacant title if Sherk is indeed sidelined.
***
Here’s another snip from White worth passing along:
“What would happen every Sunday every time an NFL player put his cleats on and headed out to the field they were tested by the government for steroids? You want me to tell you? There would be no football, OK? Football would be over. Every player would be on suspension. Maybe the quarterback and the kicker would be out there on Sunday.”
In typical Dana White fashion the statement is hyperbole at it’s finest. But he does raise a very valid point: Fighters are tested each time they perform and the punishment is significantly harsher if tests are failed than say a four-game suspension in the NFL.
What more can the UFC do to deter fighters from ingesting illegal substances?
Let us hear it.
48 Comments »
If you cheat you should be kicked out of the organization. Who cares what other sports do? Baseball and football celebrate steroid cheaters, worrying about them is useless.
2nd post yeah budddy! The UFC (if knowbody knows by now)is all a waiting game yes if hedid it give the belt to BJ give him his year then its all forgotten,I hope not just so Bj can whoop his a$$
BJ Penn will do no such ass whooping if he’s fighting Sherk.
It does raise a good point. Fighters are gone for an entire year practically if caught. No source of income and they lose their sponsors. That is harsh and I hope the consiquences get worse. I hope they institute the chopping off of one of your hand if you get caught.
I do still believe there are fighters though that take steroids in the UFC that are able to cycle off before a fight and not test positive. Obviously I have ZERO proof of this.
Can fighters do a 6 week cycle and then fight 6 months later and not test positive cause its had time to flush out?
should have been stripped the day he violated the rule.
what is there to appeal? The fact that he did it unknowingly? Doesnt matter if someone shoots you with a dart gun in the middle of the fight or if you took the pills with a smile on your face.
Guilt is guilty in the eyes of the commission, if you’re over the limit, you’ve over the limit. end of story.
Shark better get stripped of the belt, hands down.
Bj Penn vs Sean Sherk is the ultimate LW matchup to find out who the true champion is. Joe Daddy just doesn’t compare to Sherk. However, if Daddy was all roided up, he very well may be as good as Sherk, if not better – who knows….
One more thing Dana STOP COMPARING MMA TO FOOTBALL,there no way in H E double hockey sticks will they ever test NFL players for roids.Now the reason being there all ready to much sh!t for the players to get in trouble for M.Vick,the Vikings team,pac man Jones need I go on,Randy Moss,the dumba$$ that killed his girl and hid in the trunk.Dana has to take it as the media is really trying to say that the UFC fighters are smarter than the average athlete an they expect more out of MMA fighters than they do a bunch of overweight dumbies(NOT ALL BUT A FEW) and thats all folks
[quote comment="133427"]BJ Penn will do no such ass whooping if he’s fighting Sherk.[/quote]
He will do such ass whooping if sherk he’s fighting!
MMA is different from all the other sports..from the birth..thru the dark years..till now on Spike. You have the kerrs and Colemans, Randlemans..From Japan, to Brazil, and here in the U.S. have all competed juiced out..but there were no guide lines to keep this in check..in the US MMA was 90% illegel in most places..and now its part of Pop culture America..and now the commissions are cracking down on testing..it going to take time. I’m all for it..but it is kind of F’d up for the fighter’s I think 1 year off the grid..then just random testing at some events..no testing in others. Everyone should be warned..screened..tested..from the signing of the fight..in between preparing and fight night..on fight night..after the fight..if they want to squeeze out the juice.
[quote comment="133437"]One more thing Dana STOP COMPARING MMA TO FOOTBALL,there no way in H E double hockey sticks will they ever test NFL players for roids.Now the reason being there all ready to much sh!t for the players to get in trouble for M.Vick,the Vikings team,pac man Jones need I go on,Randy Moss,the dumba$$ that killed his girl and hid in the trunk.Dana has to take it as the media is really trying to say that the UFC fighters are smarter than the average athlete an they expect more out of MMA fighters than they do a bunch of overweight dumbies(NOT ALL BUT A FEW) and thats all folks[/quote]
They do test players for steroids in the NFL. Last years sack leader was Sean Merriman who lost 4 games for failing a test, he still made the Pro Bowl though, which is pretty damn sad if you ask me. Cheaters win in many team sports, make it different in MMA.
First, if the appeal is denied then there is no question Sherk should be stripped of the title. He’ll be out for a year. No matter how much Dana likes Sherk, he can’t leave the LW division with no champion for a year.
Second, this part of the appeal process is not about proving guilt or innocence. Sherk’s lawyers are going to find any way they can to discredit the lab or the testing procedure, not the result, i.e. the lab tech was caught shoplifting when he was 14 and is therefore untrustworthy, or somebody used the wrong kind of tape to stick the label to the specimen jar.
Third, White Rhino they absolutely do test for roids in the NFL. They don’t test everyone every week, but last year one of the top two or three defenders in the league (Shawne Merriman, San Diego) had to sit for 4 games after testing positive. A second positive test puts a player out I think for a year or maybe a half season. I think it’s a full season fr a second positive, but I’m too lazy to look it up right now.
Sherk juices like a big box of Tropicana no pulp orange beverage.
Dana White seriously needs to consider slowing his role when it comes to the NFL. You may think its cute when he belittles Boxing and fine that’s cool it is a combative sport. But this is comparing apples to oranges. White even thinking of taking a shot at the NFL ? Someone in his inner circle should slap him retarded because FOOTBALL is something American viewers will never put on the back burner if it meant taking sides.
I love the UFC but the NFL is what makes this America. Trying to throw a sneaky lil jab in there about the drug use in the NFL is just very puss of Dana.
[quote post="3139"]Sherk juices like a big box of Tropicana no pulp orange beverage.[/quote]
coincidentally i just had that this morning with a shitload of bacon and eggs to cure my hangover. GREAT JUICE.
[quote post="3139"]But this is comparing apples to oranges.[/quote]
mmmm orange juice.
Sherk tested positive… End of story, suspend his ass. Why is this process taking so long for an appeal? If it had been any no name fighter or a fighter that wouldn’t hurt the UFC, then there would be no appeal and his ass would have been suspended, no questions.
The whole steroid issue is truly killing the era of innocence in all sports, doesn’t matter if it’s cycling, football, mma, whatever. Everyone needs an edge, what Dana is failing to see is that, in no way, are MMA and Football related. In MMA if you come in inhumanly strong, you are going to hurt somebody. You can break their arm, you can give them a concussion, you can wreck their career for life (Tim Sylvia vs Tre Tellingman). Football is no where near the same level of injury. I think instead of just testing on the way to the ring they should have to test at the signing of the fight and 4 weeks prior (much like professional cycling). That’s the only way they can truly make sure it can be a “clean” sport. For all we know Sherk could just have hit his “juice cycle” wrong and all of a sudden, his two days off from pissing clean. It’s not the fact you have the substance in your body the day of the fight, it gives you very little advantage, it’s the fact that for the past 3 months, you’ve been jacked. Little recovery time required, massive strength and stamina gains as well as being able to handle a massively increased workload to get as much in as possible.
So really, pissing on the way to the ring by any fighter who is abusing steroids is just a matter of outright stupidity or improper planning. It’s really just Darwin’s law of weeding out everyone who is stupid instead of leveling the playing field of the sport.
I’m a big Sherk fan, always have been. I gave him the benefit of the doubt in regards to juice. Not going to pass judgement until the state of California passes it. If he’s done it’s really too bad. He was an exciting fighter to watch. The sad thing, is when he gets back, the only thing different, will be his planning and cleansing, to not get caught.
It’s possible that the UFC could go further in the testing of their fighters. Aside from the testing done immediately after the fight, they could start random testing of all fighters under contract regardless of when they fight. They should source this out to a third party company that can arrange testing anywhere in the world, test fighters under contract w/different organizations and also allow themselves to be audited by representatives from various athletic commissions in order to prove the randomness of the testing.
Now, they could also have the bout agreements contingent upon a clean test. However, this could lead to logistical problems if they need to get a last minute replacement.
Despite all of these ideas, probably the best thing is already going to be done by DW, withholding the bonus money until after they clear the post fight test.
should have gone with…… “sherk juices like a tropicana factory” lol
or
down with dope, up with hope
The UFC should screen it’s fighters weekly once signed for an event. Most fighters are signed roughly 2 months before an event so weekly or bi-weekly should be fine. At the very least as an org to maintain some sense of credibility the UFC should screen it’s fighters.
Sherk will lose his appeal, I don’t think the (CSAC) has EVER overturned a ruling, Sherk will be no exception.
UFC needs to test from the signing of the contractand up until the fight, leaving no doubt if the fighter is taking an illegal substance. Right now its stupid, they test before the fight, the fight happens, and then the results r known 2 weeks later. If a fighter is on roids, he shouldnt be in that cage, not reprimanded after the fight. A clean fighter should not have to face a juiced fighter. When the clean fighter looses, and the roided fighter disqualified, it gives us no clear closure about who won. Its just a waste of a fight, Id rather the UFC find out about the juicing before the fight, and just replace the juiced fighter.
Alright here’s my take on this and this is coming from a former juice head. I don’t know Sean from a whole in the wall and will not make judgements about whether he or any other fighter uses steroids. Questions to ponder though… Let’s assume Sean uses steroids, given his current knowledge of nutrition, training and sports supplements I would say he would be very well educated with the intricacies of steroids and cycling. Sean tested positive for Nandrolone i.e. Deca-Durabolin. Now everyone who has a decent amount of experience in steroids knows that Deca is THE worst steroid you could take as far as detection times are (18 months), even the fast acting version of Deca, i.e. Durabolin or Nandrolone Phenylpropionate can be detected within the system for 12 months. The only real fighting advantage to taking Deca is joint relief, yes there are other reasons but the cost outweighs the benefit. Now true there are steroids out there that you could take up to 3-4 weeks out from a fight and test negative, but most of the fighters that have been caught are using compounds that have a very long life in the body (i.e. EQ and Deca). There are also hormones available that could be very well used by fighters that the UFC does not test for, IGF-1 and GH. These compounds can provide a benefit to a fighter, they won’t make you a better fighter, but they can aid in fat loss, tendon strength and rejunivation effects for older fighters.
beartap, good idea on testing at the initial signing for the fight. doing that and then testing randomly up until the day of the fight would curb this problem.
as for those who are saying sherk would whip BJ penn, Penn is practically unbeatable at 155.
I think that if a title holder is “under investigation” there should be an interim title put into play. For instance, instead of Sherk holding up the division right now until early October, BJ and some other top contender should fight for the interim LW crown. If Sherk is innocent, then have the interim champ fight the real champ for the undisputed title. If Sherk is guilty, then convert the interim champ to the undisputed champ.
Any other fighter, automatic suspension for 1 year if proven guilty. I also agree with random testing of a fighter while they are training for a fight coming up. If they test positive, year suspension and fight is called off. Would this hurt UFC in possible title fights ala if they tested Franca before his title fight with Sherk? Yes, absolutely, but it would mean UFC would have line up back-up fighters to take the spot, if needed. Say Franca tests positive: year suspension and give Joe Daddy a call and see if he wants to jump up a month to fight for the title?
And test random fighters that are fighting in the next 2 months weekly … I think the UFC can afford $250 or however much it costs to test a fighter.
[quote comment="133478"]Sherk tested positive… End of story, suspend his ass. Why is this process taking so long for an appeal? If it had been any no name fighter or a fighter that wouldn’t hurt the UFC, then there would be no appeal and his ass would have been suspended, no questions.[/quote]
It is taking so long because he filed a continuance, which extends your hearing, usually made to get more information on the situation. There would be no appeal to a less popular fighter?? Every single fighter is entitled to an appeal, big or small, popular or not…..
Those who call for random testing while under contract have it. That is the only way to to. You are under contract with the UFC you agree to being tested even if you are not fighting right away.
I just wanted to find out already. We got till October right?
[quote comment="133572"]I just wanted to find out already. We got till October right?[/quote]
Right.
This Idea that, “Test Positive and That’s IT!” is kind of a rush to judgement!! Yes sure the positive test raises questions and deffinately puts you in the hot seat!
On the other hand would there even be a need for an appeal process if we just looked at test results and based guilt or innocence on that. There must be more to the rule or interpretation of that rule that some of us dont understand!
This would be why an appeal is needed and more importantly offered!!!
Lets wait for the Appeal Decision and go with that! I for one don’t want to wait a year to see BJ vs Sherk!!!
I’m still not convinced of Sherks positive tests; based on the information I’ve read regarding Nandrolone, which I will attach. Lets face it, the guy is animal when it comes to working out and would be considered an extreme athlete even when compared to other athletes (anyone who saw his all access show can attest) Working out naturally increases nandrolone metabolite levels. Based on his physical stature, it is also suggested that he must consume tons of protein (which may be hormone contaminated) and supplements, which also raises nandrolone metabolite levels. I think in this instance, as he did not test extremely high, that I will reserve judgment until I hear what comes out during his hearing. Although I am not ignorant either, and I believe that it could also be caused equally by mistiming the end of the steroid cycle.
“Urine analysis as a method of detecting nandrolone abuse has recently become somewhat controversial, following studies by the University of Aberdeen showing that the metabolite product can also show up in urine in quantities above the upper limit from a combination of high-protein diets utilizing the legal nutritional supplement creatine and hard cardiovascular exercise. The reason for this unexpected result has not been determined. Another possible (though unlikely) reason for a false positive result is the consumption of beef from cattle treated with steroids including nandrolone (used in overturning the verdict against the bobsleigh racer, Lenny Paul). Heavy consumption of the essential amino acid lysine (as indicated in the treatment of cold sores) has also shown false positives in some and was cited by American Shotputter C.J. Hunter as the reason for his positive test. A final possible cause of incorrect urine test results is the presence of metabolites from other anabolic steroids. As a result of the numerous overturned verdicts, the testing procedure was reviewed by UK Sport [1] in 2000.”
[quote comment="133427"]BJ Penn will do no such ass whooping if he’s fighting Sherk.[/quote]
BJ will kill him with his eyes closed and hands and feet tied behind his back.
Sorry for the misunderstanding I know theNFL test I was just saying they don’t test like the UFC cause there not the UFC,but agreee 100% with AaronW CHEATERS DO WIN IN EVER SPORT,I just hope if he did it not this time.
[quote comment="133437"]One more thing Dana STOP COMPARING MMA TO FOOTBALL,there no way in H E double hockey sticks will they ever test NFL players for roids.Now the reason being there all ready to much sh!t for the players to get in trouble for M.Vick,the Vikings team,pac man Jones need I go on,Randy Moss,the dumba$$ that killed his girl and hid in the trunk.Dana has to take it as the media is really trying to say that the UFC fighters are smarter than the average athlete an they expect more out of MMA fighters than they do a bunch of overweight dumbies(NOT ALL BUT A FEW) and thats all folks[/quote]
Ummm…..They DO test for steroids and each player is tested randomly per NFL/NFLPA drug policy
Put him in the slammer with Vick!!!!
[quote post="3139"]They do test players for steroids in the NFL. Last years sack leader was Sean Merriman who lost 4 games for failing a test, he still made the Pro Bowl though, which is pretty damn sad if you ask me. [/quote]
Yes, and actually this was such a big issue last year, that there were lots of talks about implementing the “Shawn Merriman Rule” which basically said that if a player is suspended for steroids, he is not elligible to play in that year’s Pro Bowl. I am pretty sure that they passed the rule, but I am not 100% sure. I just remember hearing a lot about it back in January.
[quote post="3139"]I love the UFC but the NFL is what makes this America. Trying to throw a sneaky lil jab in there about the drug use in the NFL is just very puss of Dana. [/quote]
Agreed. Dana thinks that MMA is the #1 sport in America. SORRY DANA, but the truth is its more like the 6th at best. No matter what, the sport of MMA is far behind:
Football
Baseball
Basketball
Golf
Nascar
I do think that MMA has passed Hockey and Tennis, but the arguement can be made, more so for Tennis than Hockey. That’s why I said it is the 6th most popular sport in America. I am by no means saying that I am a fan of Golf, Nascar, or Tennis, because I am quite the opposite, but the truth must be told. The sports above are undoubtably more popular than our sport of MMA.
I would be suprised if MMA was more popular than Tennis or Boxing even. I’d wager Ice Dancing and other “sports” like that are more popular as well. Gymnastics as well.
UFC and MMA in general is definitely better then monster truck racing…Table tennis…that’s a stretch there.
Right Aaron, that’s what I’m saying. Woman’s tennis is definatley bigger than MMA, but MMA may be bigger than Men’s Tennis.
Tennis was the sport that I was bouncing the ball back on forth on, on whether or not to say MMA has passed it.
STRIO HIM OF HIS BELT. HES A CHEATER. AND HE SUCKS… SHERK IS IS BORING AS HELL TO WATCH FIGHT..
Waiting for the decision in October isn’t holding up any LW Title fights. Sherk isnt scheduled to defend the title until November ne way. I suspect that Dana has tod BJ to be ready to fight for the title, and he has prolly told Stevenson and or Florian to be ready to step in to fight for the title come November. Sherk held the title without defending it for like 9 months, I really don’t c Dana letting Sherk hold up LW Title defenses again, the LW division has to get moving, u cant defend the title 1 time per year!
I dont really care what happens wit Sherk because BJ Penn will win the Title come November reguardless of who he fights.
Penn will be champ whether its against stevenson, Ken flow, sherk, huerta. If he is well conditioned then his opponant is irrelevant!
Penn will hold the LW title until he gets bored with it!
ONE YEAR AIN’T ENOUGH…..GROW SOME BALLS (like BJ said) OR IT’S YOUR CAREER!!!!!!
lightweight division has got like 3 or 4 number one contenders … huerta .. ken flow / din thomas ..stevenson / pellegrino?.. whos gonna fight B.J ??
WTF!!!! they still havent!!..lol….just get it over woth es juicin!!!!
I think Sherk needs the roids to compensate for lack of:
Hieght
Talent (Don’t realy know anything else but lay and pray)
Real drive
and like BJ said BALLS
Sherk, grow some balls and fight fair!
This would never happen, but……What if you got a lifetime ban in ALL sports after testing pos for steroids. No ifs, ands or buts. Do it and your out, AND your name erased from the record books as if you had never even competed. If any sport were serious about it that would be the main option. But lack of balls will keep that from happening! What do you guys think is a good solution, i realize mine is a little extreme.
i beleive if you get caught you should be banned for a YEAR but I also think they should speed up the process dont allow ass holes to try to buy time knowing if their guilty, and taking up other MMA fighters time.