Mixed martial arts fighter Nick Diaz was suspended five years by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in mid-September after he was slapped with a third marijuana-related violation, and fans took it upon themselves to try to spur change with a petition on WhiteHouse.org.
The petition—which was posted on Sept. 14—requested signatures in support of Diaz after the creator declared the NSAC “ruled based on their personal feelings and beliefs towards the use of medical marijuana and used their power to deprive Mr. Diaz of being able to make a living.”
After the petition received upward of 115,000 online signatures, the White House offered an official response on Tuesday regarding its inability to take action based on the structure of the organizations involved:
The federal government plays no role in the disciplinary actions taken by state athletic commissions, so we are not in a position to address the specific request raised in your petition. State authorities — in this case, the Nevada Athletic Commission — will generally be the best source for information about those kinds of issues.
As outrage has mounted, negotiations between Diaz and the NSAC have reportedly progressed as the 32-year-old seeks a reduced suspension.
On Nov. 4, MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani reported settlement talks were “going well” and the two sides discussed a deal that would include an 18-month suspension and a $100,000 fine.
The last month has seemingly passed without an update regarding settlement talks, but there’s no denying things appeared to be trending in a positive direction following the petition’s viral success.
If the NSAC ultimately reduces his suspension, Diaz’s return to the Octagon should generate plenty of interest throughout the mixed martial arts world.
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