The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies' Boxing Commission has issued UFC fighter Jake Shields a six-month suspension for using a prohibited substance prior to his fight at UFC 150, the fighter today announced.
Shields' reps at Authentic Sports Management emailed MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) a prepared statement from the fighter.
In it, Shields acknowledges to using a banned substance and accepting the commission's half-year suspension.
However, he didn't reveal what the substance was, and the commission hasn't specified what was detected in his post-fight drug test. (DORA statutes say that only disciplinary actions are public record, whereas drug test results are not.) A source told MMAjunkie.com the Association of Boxing Commissions' database currently doesn't list any information about Shields' failed test, though it'll likely be added soon.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency's (DORA) website also doesn't currently list the suspension. DORA Interim Public Information Officer Cory Everett-Lozano could not verify Shields' suspension and said she would look into the matter. Colorado's Office of Boxing Director, Joseph Mason, was unavailable for comment.
Shields' reps declined to provide further comment or details when contacted by MMAjunkie.com.
Shields (28-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) defeated Ed Herman (20-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) via unanimous decision at UFC 150, which took place Aug. 11 event at Denver's Pepsi Center. It marked the former Strikeforce and EliteXC champion's second straight UFC win. It also marked his return to the middleweight division after a recent run at welterweight.
"Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colo., I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules," Shields stated. "This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC, and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.
"I accept the boxing commission's decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time."
It's unclear if the result of the fight will be overturned.
Couldn't have guessed he would test positive for PEDS or something. Maybe it was weed seeing as he's best Buds with the Diaz Bros.
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