2015 has been a tough year for the UFC, and a lot of that stems from numerous drug-related kerfuffles, both of the performance-enhancing and recreational varieties. Following drug test failures by Nick Diaz, Anderson Silva and Hector Lombard, UFC executives promised that they were going to take steps to curtail the problem, and it seems as though they have taken their first step toward doing so.
The UFC announced through its website that it has hired federal agent Jeff Novitzky as its new Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance:
UFC announced in February the development of an expanded drug-testing program that will increase out-of-competition testing and pledged significant financial commitments for targeted testing protocols. Novitzky will play a leading role in the creation and implementation of the program, scheduled to be unveiled in July 2015.
While Novitzky may not be a recognizable name for most sports fans, many are familiar with his work. A special agent who has worked for both the IRS and FDA, Novitzky has been involved with several high-profile investigations into performance-enhancing drugs in sports, including the discovery of the BALCO doping ring, the Lance Armstrong case and the 2007 Mitchell Report.
“There is no bigger advocate of clean professional sports than Jeff Novitzky,” says UFC executive Lawrence Epstein.
@jeremybotter He’s an investigator who’s shown a disregard for rules. No background in testing whatsoever.
— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) April 6, 2015
Though the move sends a powerful message that the UFC is going to actively go after PED use by its athletes, Novitzky is no stranger to controversy. In 2008, Novitzky‘s aggressive work in the BALCO doping scandal was criticized by federal judge Susan Ilston, a sentiment which has been repeatedly echoed in cases involving him. Not only that, but while he has helped bring several major scandals to light, he is not an expert on drug testing or health.
Either way, this likely marks the beginning of what will be an interesting few months for the UFC, which will unveil its new drug-testing program in July.
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