Wanderlei Silva admits to banned substance, NSAC to weigh evidence for complaint
Wanderlei Silva admitted he took diuretics prior to a scheduled fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 175, opening the door to a possible complaint and suspension from the overseeing Nevada State Athletic Commission.
The fighter took banned substances to help rehabilitate a wrist injury he sustained in a brawl with Sonnen in February on the set of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3,†his lawyer Ross Goodman said today during an NSAC meeting in Las Vegas.
Goodman, who previously represented Nick Diaz in his appeal of a positive test for marijuana at UFC 143, said Silva was concerned about failing a random drug test ordered by the NSAC on May 24 and evaded a sample collector hired by the commission. He apologized on behalf of the former champion and said his action shouldn’t be interpreted as an admission of performance-enhancing use.
In light of the admission, however, the NSAC plans to review Silva’s case and determine whether to lodge a formal complaint against the fighter, who was called before the commission to explain his actions.
NSAC chair Francisco Aguilar recommended the NSAC move forward with a complaint, which could mean a suspension and fines for Silva, who wasn’t licensed at the time of his random test but was subject to random testing.
NSAC commissioners Raymond “Skip†Avansino and Pat Lundvall also signaled the likelihood of administrative action taken against Silva, who last fought in March 2013 and knocked out Brian Stann in Japan.
Silva was scratched from his bout with Sonnen after the incident on May 24, which was reported by Sonnen on “UFC Tonight.†Former champ Vitor Belfort was then slated to step in at the July 5 pay-per-view event, which takes place at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, pending commission approval. But Sonnen then tested positive earlier this month for a pair of banned substances, and the fight was called off. Soon after, Sonnen announced his retirement.
Silva’s injury on the set of “TUF†was first reported as a back injury by UFC President Dana White, who estimated the fighter would have a hard time getting licensed after his incident with the commission.
White today pointed his Twitter followers to watch the NSAC meeting on UFC Fight Pass, which streamed the proceedings.
The NSAC’s sample collector and executive director testified at the meeting about Silva’s actions on May 24, describing how the fighter didn’t answer the door at his Las Vegas home and then evaded the collector at his nearby gym.
Silva asked to speak with his manager, but consented to the test, according to the collector. He then went out a side door in the gym. Attempts by the commission to reach him through his wife were unsuccessful, the collector and NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett confirmed. The UFC also was notified of the issue via UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner, Bennett said.
UFC doctors prescribed Silva anti-inflammatory medication following his brawl with Sonnen, according to Goodman, and an X-ray in early May confirmed a fractured wrist. Goodman initially said Silva began taking diuretics to minimize water retention.
“He now realizes he should have submitted to drug tests,†Goodman said.
Silva returned from his native Brazil this past Saturday to find notice of the NSAC’s subpoena, which was issued June 2, according to Goodman.
