Category: Doping

Shlemenko Doping Penalties Reduced – Full Judicial Reasons

July 21, 2016

Last year the California State Athletic Commission fined Alexander Shlemenko and handed him a three year suspension after “testing positive for steroids”. As previously reported the regulatory hearing left much to be desired from a perspective of due process and objective fairness.  Shlemenko judicially reviewed the CSAC’s decision and in part succeeded by having his fine … More Shlemenko Doping Penalties Reduced – Full Judicial Reasons

How Lyoto Machida May Cut his USADA Doping Ban in Half

April 14, 2016

Update November 16, 2106 – Today it was announced that Machida accepted a 18 month suspension with the reduction being due in part to his “prompt admission”. Update November 8, 2016 – Today it was announced that George Sullivan had his USADA suspension cut in half due in part to his self disclosure giving hope … More How Lyoto Machida May Cut his USADA Doping Ban in Half

Study Finds Widespread Use of WADA Prohibited Drug in Supplements

April 7, 2016

Former Olympian and current UFC fighter Yoel Romero recently made headlines in the world of combat sports by being on the wrong end of a tainted supplements scandal.  In short the United States Anti-Doping Agency independently tested a supplement Romero was using and found it contained a World Anti-Doping Agency banned substance not labelled on … More Study Finds Widespread Use of WADA Prohibited Drug in Supplements

Malki Kawa – Yoel Romero Lawsuit Against Supplement Manufacturer “In Process”

April 5, 2016

Earlier this week it was revealed that Yoel Romero, who recently tested positive for a prohibited substance in an out-of-competition test conducted by USADA in fact ingested the substance inadvertently. The old ‘tainted supplement’ defence is as old as doping allegations themselves which are rarely met with candid admissions of wrongdoing.  Romero, however, appears to … More Malki Kawa – Yoel Romero Lawsuit Against Supplement Manufacturer “In Process”

Romero Reaches USADA Plea Bargain, Accepts 6 Month Suspension

April 4, 2016

Following an adverse finding stemming from an out-of -competition test administered by USADA, Yoel Romero and the anti doping agency have reached a deal giving Romero a 6 month suspension. Romero tested positive for Ibutamoren following an out-of-competition test conducted on December 16, 2015.  Romero alleged the substance came from tainted supplements and independent USADA testing … More Romero Reaches USADA Plea Bargain, Accepts 6 Month Suspension

Tim Means’ “Tainted Supplement” Defence and the UFC’s Anti Doping Policy

February 5, 2016

Update June 10, 2016 – Tim Means accepted the anti-doping policy violation and a 6 month sanction.  USADA provided the following press release USADA announced today that UFC athlete, Tim Means, of Edgewood, N.M., has accepted a 6-month sanction for an anti-doping policy violation after testing positive for a prohibited substance from a contaminated supplement. … More Tim Means’ “Tainted Supplement” Defence and the UFC’s Anti Doping Policy

Study – Steroid Use Linked to Worse Traumatic Brain Injury

January 26, 2016

An important study was recently published in the open access journal, PLOS ONE, analyzing the relationship between the severity of traumatic brain injury and anabolic steroid use. In the Study, titled “Chronic Exposure to Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids Exacerbates Axonal Injury and Microgliosis in the CHIMERA Mouse Model of Repetitive Concussion” the authors noted that in about … More Study – Steroid Use Linked to Worse Traumatic Brain Injury

Why Diego Brandao’s Marijuana Test May Lead to A Lesson in Triple Jeopardy

January 16, 2016

Update May 21, 2016 – In addition to the below Brandao remains on the NSAC’s agenda for their May 25 meeting noting “Hearing on Disciplinary Complaint against mixed martial artist Diego Brandao, for possible action” _________________________________________ Update May 20, 2016 – Today USADA issued a press release stating that Bradao accepted the anti-doping violation and … More Why Diego Brandao’s Marijuana Test May Lead to A Lesson in Triple Jeopardy

Lessons and Reflections from Cro Cop’s Negative Doping Test

January 10, 2016

Last year legendary fighter Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic unceremoniously retired from MMA in the midst of a doping scandal.  Cro Cop admitted to out of competition use of Human Growth Hormone shortly after being subject to USADA testing and earned the unwelcome distinction of being the first fighter to be sanctioned under the UFC’s/USADA anti doping regime. … More Lessons and Reflections from Cro Cop’s Negative Doping Test

Supreme Court of Canada – Doping in Sports is Criminal Fraud Against Gambling Community

December 18, 2015

Earlier this year I discussed an important decision by the Supreme Court of Canada finding that doping in sports can amount to criminal fraud.  Today the Supreme Court of Canada published their full reasons for judgement. What does this have to do with MMA and other combat sports?  A lot.  The takeaway from this important … More Supreme Court of Canada – Doping in Sports is Criminal Fraud Against Gambling Community