The failed drug test of Anderson Silva a few years ago prompted or should I say forced the UFC to do something about PED’s in the sport, and USADA came on-board. While their involvement is certainly warranted and welcomed, it’s not perfect, as highlighted by the news over the last few days involving Junior Dos Santos, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Marcos Rogerio de Lima.
All 3 fighters failed drug tests and have accepted a reduced punishment of 6-month suspensions, and because of time served they are free to compete immediately. The reason for the failed drug tests was put down to two Brazilian pharmacies admitting that they were selling contaminated supplements, therefore neither fighter was intentionally trying to cheat.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the athletes and international authorities in getting to the bottom of this situation, as it will hopefully prevent these problems from occurring in the future,” USADA CEO Travis Tygart said. “It’s unacceptable that these compounding pharmacies produced contaminated supplements for the public. And it’s another unfortunate example of why athletes must use extreme caution if using nutritional supplements. All too often, supplement products contain undeclared substances, including prohibited drugs, that can be dangerous to an athlete’s health. We are doing all we can to ensure that these types of suppliers are held accountable for introducing dangerous products like these into the marketplace.”
While fighters are advised to be careful what they put in their bodies, there is, of course, a common sense approach that should be taken in some cases, this appears to be one.
While I understand there might be issues in doing this, but why don’t USADA and the UFC issue a recommended list of supplements. Also, while I understand these things take time, and investigations have to be thorough, but the failed tests were from August and October, and the fighters have been forced to be inactive since, could the process be quickened up.
Obviously, the fighters have accepted the punishments, but should they have received any ban, when they were not at fault.
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