The Nevada commission plans to crack down on drug use. ?We?re sending a message. It?s a zero-tolerance policy??
The Nevada commission plans to crack down on drug use.
?We?re sending a message that it?s a zero-tolerance policy in Nevada. If you?re in violation, we?re probably not going to see you again.??Commissioner Anthony Marnell III of the Nevada State Athletic Commission
?It?s a simple message?don?t dope? Anyone who violates our policies, we?re going to come down hard on them.??Commissioner Pat Lundvall
?It was a great first step.??NSAC chairman Francisco Aguilar
According to several recent articles and reports (including the Las Vegas Review-Journal), the Nevada State Athletic Commission has moved to an unprecedented level?some are even calling it harsh?regarding drug penalties.
Here is a quick breakdown on the manner in which the NSAC will deal with fighters, both boxing and MMA, who fail drug tests.
Among the proposed punishments are:
■ A one-year suspension and a fine of 25 percent to 35 percent of the violator?s purse for a first-time violation for using diuretics. ■ A two-year suspension and a fine of 35 percent to 45 percent of the purse for a first-time violation of using stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. ■ A two-year suspension and a fine of 40 percent to 50 percent of an individual?s purse for a first-time violation using anabolic steroids. ■ A four-year suspension and 50 percent fine for first-time violators who avoid testing and detection and whose urine sample is not of the tested athlete and drugs that are used as masking agents.
Repeat offenses will carry double the penalties. Third-time offenders will be barred for life.
In no surprise, the harshest penalties are for those who test positive for steroids and attempt to avoid detection.
A failed drug test will also now result in a loss, rather than a no-contest.
One key element in these changes is to ensure that the athletes and their camps understand this is being done for their safety and benefit.
Commissioner Skip Avansino, in somewhat of an understatement, said, ?I don?t think you should condone cheating? I think we need to ratchet up the penalties because the current levels don?t seem to be any kind of deterrent.?
Plans are for these changes to go into effect on September 1, but keeping in mind the influence of promoters, a later date seems more likely. Moreover, this could make Nevada a costlier state in which to fight if one fails a drug test, and could persuade some fighters to toil elsewhere.
There is plenty to like about these proposed reforms, but this is boxing and seeing is believing.
Stay tuned.
