Sean Sherk Releases Statement on Positive Steroid Test, Appeal
Sean Sherk has released the following brief statement regarding his positive drug test at UFC 73 and the appeal he has filed with the California State Athletic Commission:
“At the present time I cannot explain the positive drug test in Sacramento California. I know I have never used any steroids or any other banned substances, I am investigating possible causes of my positive test with my attorney. I have never cheated, all of my success has come from hard work and dedication to my sport.�
According to reports Sherk will be represented by lawyer Howard Jacobs. Jacobs, a self-described “athlete’s lawyer”, focuses exclusively on cases involving athletes, specifically those accused of doping. Current and past clients include sprinter Tim Montgomery, cyclist Tyler Hamilton, and Tour de France Champion Floyd Landis.
He is one of only a handful of lawyers who specialize in athletic disputes making him a well-qualified individual to represent Sherk who faces the task of proving the California State Athletic Comission that his positive steroid test for Nandrolone was false. The road ahead for Sherk and Jacobs is going to be tough as the CSAC has never overturned a positive steroid test.
Tags: Sean Sherk
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Hey Kris,
What will UFC do now that they are looking to suspend 2 of their top lightweight fighters (Franca and Sherk)? How will they create exciting lightweight bouts now?
Is Sean Sherk going to lose his belt?
If many PRIDE fighters join other promotions (Hero's, Elite XC, etc), what was the purpose of Zuffa purchasing PRIDE?
I think Sean Sherk should be able to keep his title.I think he should be punished indeed for using steriods,but being stripped of the title is over-reacting.
I hope they have a grand prix but I think they will instead have a top contender face Penn in November for the title.
After his positive test is validated or overturned I think the UFC will strip him of his belt if the test stands and will put the vacant title on the line at UFC 78.
The purpose of the purchase was for all of their assets but fighters weren't explicitly included. They could all sign their contracts over to the UFC but some opted not to and that is why they are joining other MMA promotions.
What really makes my blood boil is when a fighter whom I had a lot of respect for "Mr Sherk" states "He cannot explain the positive drugs test"? These tests are very accurate and for a fighter who cares so much about his training and diet you would think he would know exactly what he was taking. The UFC will certainly miss such an exciting and skilled fighter in Mr Sherk if he is found guilty. But………The message needs to be sent, drugs should and will not be tolerated in any way/shape or form.
I say strip him of the belt if it is true, then have a tourney of the top contenders. Just like the oldschool UFC events. They should have as many fights as it takes in one night to find the true lightweight champ. How's with me on this one!?!
Mark, there are actually a lot of things that can throw these tests off including creatine (legal), hormone-fed cattle, and excess amino acids so the test is not 100% correct and having this overturned is entirely possible, although I wouldn't say it is likely.
I think the punishment should be strict but not over the top as this is his first offense.
Steve, I am sure a tournament is one idea being thought about as well as having two top contenders fight for a vacant belt and then have top contenders face the champion. It will be an interesting situation to watch develop over the next year+ as the division is really up in the air.