Nick Diaz Challenging His Suspension

[No More Sorrow]

LAS VEGAS -- Per a response filed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on March 7, UFC welterweight Nick Diaz is challenging the commission's complaint for disciplinary action that he tested positive for a prohibited substance following a Feb. 4 contest in Las Vegas.

Following a unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143, the NSAC reported Diaz submitted a urine test that tested positive for "marijuana metabolites." The commission voted later that month to temporarily suspend Diaz's fighters license.

That suspension is unwarranted, according to Diaz's attorney, Ross Goodman, who states that "marijuana metabolites" are not a prohibited substance according to the list used by the NSAC, which is adopted from the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"Marijuana is the only substance that is prohibited; not marijuana metabolites," Goodman told ESPN.com.

"The basis to discipline Mr. Diaz is that he tested positive for a prohibited substance. We know he didn't test positive for marijuana. So, you look to see at WADA whether marijuana metabolites are prohibited. They do not prohibit it in any category."

In a sworn affidavit submitted with the response, Diaz stated he has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for which he was prescribed medical marijuana by his physician, Robert E. Sullivan. Medical marijuana is legal in both Nevada and California, where Diaz resides.

Diaz and his camp have said the fighter suspends his use of marijuana eight days prior to a contest. Under the statues set forth by the NSAC, athletes are not punished for using marijuana out-of-competition.

According to Goodman, the substance Diaz tested positive for was THC-Carboxylic Acid, an inactive marijuana metabolite. NSAC executive director Keith Kizer was unavailable to comment on that claim Monday.

The response filed to the commission, therefore, challenges that Diaz merely tested positive for an inactive metabolite, which is not listed as a prohibited substance.

"You have to test positive for marijuana, as opposed to this inactive ingredient Nick did," Goodman said.

"If there's nothing in the rules prohibiting marijuana metabolites, why are we here?"

If he was legit going to retire don't think he'd be trying to avoid being suspended, this should be something interesting too look forward to the next few months. Hopefully the suspension doesn't hold up though, still want to see him fight GSP.

GEORGE WHERE YOU AT HOMIE?!

 

[Slim]

Well if it isin't in the rules then they don't have anything to hold against him which means that they would be required to relieve him of the suspension and then they can rewrite the rules to add that so that next time they'll have a case. But looks like Diaz should be good to go due to the technicality.

 

[The Cork]

lol

Just let it go Nick, this is so transparent.

 

[Troy]

I have read it a few times but I still don't know how they think this can slide. So he tested positive for marijuana metabolites but apparently that doesn't mean that he has had marijuana in his system even though he happily admits to using frequently. Amazing if they let him off for this when it is clear he was using.

 

[Slim]

Technicalities go a long way in court.