UFC News & Notes: Dana White, Joe Rogan Blast NAC for Nick Diaz's Suspension
The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended UFC Fighter Nick Diaz for failing his post-fight drug test after UFC 183 last Jan. 31 against Anderson Silva. It's not a shocking that Diaz failed his drug test for the use of marijuana as it is his third offense, but the NAC handed out a ridiculous five-year suspension and $150,000 fine on the 32-year-old fighter, as reported by ESPN.
Nevada commissioner Pat Lundvall said via MMA Fighting that Diaz disrespected the commission for failing his third drug test for marijuana after promising that it won't happen again. "We're now in 2015, and it doesn't appear that any of these proceedings have had an impact on the athlete, and it doesn't appear that the athlete is afforded the respect that this commission and the opportunity and the privilege for him to fight in the state then affords," Lundvall said.
After his hearing, Diaz spoke to the media and clearly he was not happy with the NAC's decision. "I'm pretty pissed. I got into this sport for this exact reason, being stuck in a room with people like that," Diaz said via ESPN.
"I wanted to tell them what I think. I wanted to tell each and every one of them they're a bunch of dorks. Everybody who sees them or knows who they are should tell them that. I would if it weren't for my experts advising me to keep my mouth shut. I wanted to get up and say, 'Look. You guys are way the f--- out of line,'" the former welterweight title challenger added.
The UFC declined to make a statement about the ruling, but UFC president Dana White answered a Twitter question about what his thoughts and said, "What I think isn't important. I have no say in the matter. They don't give a shit what I think. People who know MMA know that."
UFC commentator and marijuana user Joe Rogan took to Twitter his thoughts on the Diaz suspension, saying, "NSAC suspending Nick Diaz for 5 years for pot is an irresponsible abuse of power. It's callous, idiotic and sickening. Unless there's scientific proof that marijuana is a performance enhancing drug that gives an unfair advantage it should not be restricted."
Other UFC fighters have expressed their disappointment on the NAC ruling and have provided support for Nick Diaz. They even use the #FreeNickDiaz hashtag on Twitter. A lot of fans and fighters alike are citing the commission's harsh decision, considering Diaz' opponent on UFC 183, Anderson Silva tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and was only suspended for one year, MMA Junkie notes. According to MMA Fighting, Jon Jones also tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test but did not receive any suspensions.
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