Tag: failed drug test

Cortney Casey Reveals Abuse Suffered Following False-Positive Drug Test

UFC Women’s strawweight Cortney Casey underwent quite the fallout following her false-positive test results from theTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Casey fought and defeated Jessica Aguilar by decision at UFC 211. However, the ineptitude of the TDLR led to that victory being overturned to a no contest due to a false- positive test for performance […]

The post Cortney Casey Reveals Abuse Suffered Following False-Positive Drug Test appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

UFC Women’s strawweight Cortney Casey underwent quite the fallout following her false-positive test results from theTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Casey fought and defeated Jessica Aguilar by decision at UFC 211. However, the ineptitude of the TDLR led to that victory being overturned to a no contest due to a false- positive test for performance enhancing drugs.

The only problem was that the test was wrong, and Casey’s system was actually clean of all such banned substances.

Casey discussed the backlash and fallout from the botched false-positive test and how it has affected her career.

“One of the worst things that can happen to an athlete is being associated with steroids in any way, shape or form,” Casey told Bloody Elbows’ Iain Kidd. “I don’t want to have that asterisk next to my name. I’m innocent, but that’ll still be there; some people aren’t going to read the second article, some people aren’t going to understand it, or they’re going to think I just found a loophole. I can’t change the way they think because they heard I used steroids, so I’ll always be attached to that and it sucks.

I was approached at Target, and I was told that I had let the island down, that I was a cheater, and asked how I could do that to my fans. I live on a small island and word travels fast; they don’t call it Coconut Wireless for nothing”

It’s one thing for people to attack me on social media, but then they went and found my mom on social media. When I posted pictures of the kids I train, people were saying things like, ‘Don’t take steroids like your coach.’”

Casey went on to explain her initial course of action immediately following the news of her false-positive drug test.

After being verbally attacked on social media and in person, Casey says it was difficult to refrain from defending her make and reputation, instead holding out for the truth to eventually emerge on its own.

“Everyone told me not to say anything, to make sure my family didn’t say anything because I should avoid pissing Texas off, especially when Jeff reached out on my behalf and told them that this was basically a false positive and they shouldn’t be releasing it and they still did nothing. Jeff told me after that to just say silent so we don’t piss them off. Dana said the same thing, he told me just to listen to Jeff because he knows what he’s doing and they hired him for a reason.

I’ve been following that advice, but it has been hard. I’ve been attacked on social media, I’ve been verbally assaulted by people at Target, it’s just been hard. I’m glad it’s coming out that I was innocent to all along. It has been the longest month of my life, waiting for the result of a test I already knew the answer to.”

She was vindicated after a follow-up test revealed that the false-positive test was incorrect, despite the damage that had already been done.

However, Casey was ultimately quite supportive of how the UFC handled the situation.

“Dana [White] reached out to me right away, the same day everything came out, and he called me and told me to hang in there and the UFC would take the proper steps to make sure the situation was handled properly and that they would pay for everything up front. That was reassuring. When you hear things from Dana, when he tells you that we’re behind you, then you know you have the UFC’s support. Sean Shelby reached out and told me to hang in there, and told me we’d get through this, as well.”

“I’ve been happy with how the UFC handled this and with how USADA handled it, the only part that hasn’t been going smoothly is the contact with–and professionalism of–Texas.”

The post Cortney Casey Reveals Abuse Suffered Following False-Positive Drug Test appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Jon Jones Flagged With USADA Violation, Pulled From UFC 200 [UPDATED]

(Dana White breaks the news of Jones’ violation, via MMAJunkie)

Un. F*cking. Believable.

That’s pretty much the only way to sum it up, Nation. Just three days out from his rematch with Daniel Cormier — aka the most anticipated main event on the most anticipated fight card of the year — Jon Jones has been flagged with a potential USADA anti-doping violation and pulled from UFC 200.

Even when we’re preparing ourselves for the worst possible scenarios, it seems that MMA finds a way to somehow screw things up even worse. What a sport this is.

After the jump: Daniel Cormier reacts to Jones’ removal.

The post Jon Jones Flagged With USADA Violation, Pulled From UFC 200 [UPDATED] appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Dana White breaks the news of Jones’ violation, via MMAJunkie)

Un. F*cking. Believable.

That’s pretty much the only way to sum it up, Nation. Just three days out from his rematch with Daniel Cormier — aka the most anticipated main event on the most anticipated fight card of the year — Jon Jones has been flagged with a potential USADA anti-doping violation and pulled from UFC 200.

Even when we’re preparing ourselves for the worst possible scenarios, it seems that MMA finds a way to somehow screw things up even worse. What a sport this is.

After the jump: Daniel Cormier reacts to Jones’ removal.

The news of Jones’ positive test was first revealed by MMAFighting via Twitter. According to Vice President of Athlete Health, Jeff Novitzky, Jones was flagged following an out-of-competition drug test administered on June 16th. This is important to note because it basically removes any idea that Jones may have tested positive for cocaine (as he had previously) or marijuana (which he’s also been known to dabble in), both of which are perfectly acceptable to use out-of-competition and wouldn’t have landed him with a potential fine or suspension.

While we won’t know for sure what substance is behind Jones’ positive test for some time, it almost seems certain that he did test positive for a steroid or masking agent of some kind in order to be removed from the event. BloodyElbow has also passed along an interesting theory on what may have caused Jones’ positive test.

One last thing to note is that Jon Jones is sponsored by GAT supplements, and at least one GAT product, “Testagen,” has a warning that it may cause “false positive” test results for athletes:

The warning reads: SUBSTANCE TEST WARNING! Bodybuilders and other athletes subjected to substance testing should never use this product unless first approved by the validating organization. Product may cause a drug test result called False Positive (urine or blood).

 
After calling an emergency press conference shortly thereafter, Dana White told reporters that the heavyweight clash between Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt would be moved to the evening’s main event (because it’s not like you can have a non-Rousey women’s title fight headline an event, amiright?) while looking like a man just moments away from suicide.

For what it’s worth, Cormier has stated an interest to stay on the card and would even be willing to go up to 220 or 225 to face an opponent on short notice. Everyone from Alexander Gustafsson to Michael Bisping has thrown their names in the hat to replace Jones, and White has stated that he’d “like to find Daniel a fight” for UFC 200, so we’ll be sure to let you know if any of those scenarios come to fruition.

Once again, it seems that the only man who can beat Jon Jones is Jon Jones. More on this story as it develops, Nation.

UPDATE

According to Ariel Helwani, Jones will hold a press conference to address his removal from UFC 200 at 11:30 am EST today. Jones’ manager, Malki Kawa, has already taken to Twitter to deny that steroids were in fact behind Jones’ positive test.

The post Jon Jones Flagged With USADA Violation, Pulled From UFC 200 [UPDATED] appeared first on Cagepotato.

And The Latest UFC Fighter to Be Busted for Banned Substances Is…Lyoto Machida?!!


(Say it ain’t so, Lyoto…)

The UFC’s recently-implemented, USADA-partnered drug-testing program has been quietly gaining steam at a predictable-but-still-scary rate since it was officially implemented last October, most recently catching Frank Mir in what may very well be a career-ending mistake earlier in the month and busting Viscardi Andrade just earlier in the week for a similar violation.

While the anti-doping agency’s settlement with Yoel Romero shows that the system is not exactly fool-proof yet, it’s still doing a respectable job of cleaning up the sport’s dirtiest fighters and hitting them where it hurts the most.

One of the last fighters that you would ever expect to be lumped into that category, however, is former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.

The post And The Latest UFC Fighter to Be Busted for Banned Substances Is…Lyoto Machida?!! appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Say it ain’t so, Lyoto…)

The UFC’s recently-implemented, USADA-partnered drug-testing program has been quietly gaining steam at a predictable-but-still-scary rate since it was officially implemented last October, most recently catching Frank Mir in what may very well be a career-ending mistake earlier in the month and busting Viscardi Andrade just earlier in the week for a similar violation.

While the anti-doping agency’s settlement with Yoel Romero shows that the system is not exactly fool-proof yet, it’s still doing a respectable job of cleaning up the sport’s dirtiest fighters and hitting them where it hurts the most.

One of the last fighters that you would ever expect to be lumped into that category, however, is former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Over the course of his near-10 year career in the UFC, “The Dragon” has displayed nothing less than the epitome of class and professionalism both inside and outside of the octagon, serving as a true ambassador for a sport with only a handful of guys that you’d ever want to give such a title to. But just as Anderson Silva did before him, Machida once again reminded us that

Scheduled to rematch Dan Henderson in the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC on FOX 19 card — a card which has already taken its fair share of hits, for what it’s worth — Machida shocked the MMA world this afternoon by admitting that he had used a banned substance while being administered an out-of-competition drug test.

“The UFC organization was made aware today by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, that Lyoto Machida declared the usage of a banned substance during an out-of-competition sample collection last week,” UFC official stated on Wednesday.

“Machida stated that he was unaware that the substance was prohibited both in and out of competition and, in accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, his disclosure of usage will be taken into consideration by USADA during any potential results management and adjudication process.”

And this right here is why my only heroes are ghosts, Nation. I guess we could give props to Machida for being up front with his banned substance use (though which one he used specifically has not been revealed yet) instead of belittling our intelligence by blaming his positive test on the sauna or the guy testing your samples, but at the same time, Machida is the one guy I would have believed was the victim of some crazy mix up. WHY YOU GOTTA BREAKA MY HEART, LYOTO?! WHYYYY!!!!

As a result of his admission, Machida’s scheduled bout with Henderson has been pulled from UFC on FOX 19, and Henderson is PISSED.

Take it easy, Dan.

The post And The Latest UFC Fighter to Be Busted for Banned Substances Is…Lyoto Machida?!! appeared first on Cagepotato.

The Results Are In For Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock’s Failed Bellator 149 Drug Tests


(It’s a trick question: They both have meth in them.)

Easily the most shocking, unpredictable news to hit MMA this year was that of Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock’s failed drug tests prior to Bellator 149. It was a development that literally none of us could have seen coming, if only because most of us were under the impression that Bellator didn’t drug test its fighters.

Well, the results are in on both men’s drug tests, and without giving too much away, we will say that the above photo can no longer be considered libel.

The post The Results Are In For Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock’s Failed Bellator 149 Drug Tests appeared first on Cagepotato.


(It’s a trick question: They both have meth in them.)

Easily the most shocking, unpredictable news to hit MMA this year was that of Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock’s failed drug tests prior to Bellator 149. It was a development that literally none of us could have seen coming, if only because most of us were under the impression that Bellator didn’t drug test its fighters.

Well, the results are in on both men’s drug tests, and without giving too much away, we will say that the above photo can no longer be considered libel. MMAFighting has the deets:

Slice tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and also had an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio. Shamrock tested positive for nandrolone and methadone, an opioid used to treat pain or detoxify in people with a drug dependency. Shamrock also had an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio.

Shamrock’s T-to-E ratio was 12.4:1, while Slice’s was 6.4:1. The Texas and World Anti-Doping Agency limit is 4:1. The two men submitted urine samples in a pre-fight collection.

You guys know what this means, don’t you? It means that one of the most underrated Youtube videos of all time has finally received the validation it deserves (sort of). Take it away, Meaty Portion!!!

I hope that was as good for you guys as it was for me.

Anyway, you might be interested to learn that the duo of drugs found in Shamrock’s system is completely different than the norandrosterone, noretiocholanolone and stanozololin cocktail he was busted for back in 2009 after a win over Ross Clifton at WarGods: Valentine’s Eve Massacre. Which, say what you the man, but don’t you dare claim that his MMA game hasn’t evolved over the years. Next up, I presume, will be a positive test for actual meth following a controversial TKO loss to Dan Quinn at WSOF 40.

Now, onto the no doubt lengthy suspensions that both Shamrock and Kimbo are surely in for…

The punishments for Shamrock and Slice are still pending. The typical maximum penalty in Texas for a failed drug test is a 90-day suspension and $5,000 fine. It’s unlikely the TDLR would license either man for a period of a year after the positive test, sources said, but after 90 days the suspension would not extend to the other states.

90 days? That’s it?! Well shit, it looks like we might be getting that Severn vs. Shamrock trilogy fight in the near future after all. And thank God for that.

The post The Results Are In For Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock’s Failed Bellator 149 Drug Tests appeared first on Cagepotato.

Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year


(Eddie wasn’t angry the moment he found out Gil was juicing, just dissapointed. via Getty)

Every time I hear a UFC fighter claiming that 90% of the roster is on one kind of PED or another, I go into something of an emergency rationalization mode. Suddenly and almost subconsciously, I find myself running around my apartment like a beagle after a bath, hands clasped over my ears and screaming “It can’t be that high! Surely it’s something closer to 75%!!” Then I nuke up a Hot Pocket and take a Forget Me Now to keep my sanity intact.

Unfortunately for delusionally optimistic MMA fans like us here at CagePotato (lol!), the results that these new UFC drug-testing policies have garnered seem to align with the increasingly popular opinion that everyone in the sport is on PED’s and it’s simply a matter of time until they slip up. Case in point: Gilbert Melendez (aka Giblert aka “Le Nino”), the last guy you’d expect to test positive for anything, who conversely just tested positive for something.

Statements from Gilbert and the UFC are after the jump.  

The post Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Eddie wasn’t angry the moment he found out Gil was juicing, just dissapointed. via Getty)

Every time I hear a UFC fighter claiming that 90% of the roster is on one kind of PED or another, I go into something of an emergency rationalization mode. Suddenly and almost subconsciously, I find myself running around my apartment like a beagle after a bath, hands clasped over my ears and screaming “It can’t be that high! Surely it’s something closer to 75%!!” Then I nuke up a Hot Pocket and take a Forget Me Now to keep my sanity intact.

Unfortunately for delusionally optimistic MMA fans like us here at CagePotato (lol!), the results that these new UFC drug-testing policies have garnered seem to align with the increasingly popular opinion that everyone in the sport is on PED’s and it’s simply a matter of time until they slip up. Case in point: Gilbert Melendez (aka Giblert aka “Le Nino”), the last guy you’d expect to test positive for anything, who conversely just tested positive for something.

Statements from Gilbert and the UFC are after the jump.  

Yes, according to BloodyElbow, Melendez tested positive for an “exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites” following his split decision loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 and has been suspended for a year as a result. The news was announced by the UFC via a press release below:

Following his bout at UFC 188 in Mexico City on June 13, UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. 

“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188,” Melendez said. “I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results.  I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC.  I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it.”

Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15. UFC officials are currently seeking a new opponent for Al Iaquinta, who was scheduled to face Melendez.

Well, at least Gil accepted responsibility for it. On a related note, I think “I did not inject anything” should become MMA’s version of “I never inhaled.”

As mentioned in the release, Al Iaquinta has now lost his second dance partner (after Bobby Green) for his Fight Night 71 co-headliner, and has since been pulled from the event altogether. He is not pleased, as you might imagine.

“I want to break something. I want to slam my head on the desk again. I don’t know. I’m just disappointed. I can’t describe it, man,” said Iaquinta on yesterday’s MMA Hour.

“I was ready to go. It was a perfect fight for me stylistically. I brought in guys who really had a good style and I’ve been doing great with the sparring, so it’s just, I don’t know, I’m just frustrated right now, man. I’m real frustrated.”

We’re frustrated too, Al. But while we’re waiting to hear when and where you’ll fight next, let’s just celebrate the fact that another cheater has been outed with that timeless Queen tune. Kick it, boys!

The post Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year appeared first on Cagepotato.

Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year


(Eddie wasn’t angry the moment he found out Gil was juicing, just dissapointed. via Getty)

Every time I hear a UFC fighter claiming that 90% of the roster is on one kind of PED or another, I go into something of an emergency rationalization mode. Suddenly and almost subconsciously, I find myself running around my apartment like a beagle after a bath, hands clasped over my ears and screaming “It can’t be that high! Surely it’s something closer to 75%!!” Then I nuke up a Hot Pocket and take a Forget Me Now to keep my sanity intact.

Unfortunately for delusionally optimistic MMA fans like us here at CagePotato (lol!), the results that these new UFC drug-testing policies have garnered seem to align with the increasingly popular opinion that everyone in the sport is on PED’s and it’s simply a matter of time until they slip up. Case in point: Gilbert Melendez (aka Giblert aka “Le Nino”), the last guy you’d expect to test positive for anything, who conversely just tested positive for something.

Statements from Gilbert and the UFC are after the jump.  

The post Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Eddie wasn’t angry the moment he found out Gil was juicing, just dissapointed. via Getty)

Every time I hear a UFC fighter claiming that 90% of the roster is on one kind of PED or another, I go into something of an emergency rationalization mode. Suddenly and almost subconsciously, I find myself running around my apartment like a beagle after a bath, hands clasped over my ears and screaming “It can’t be that high! Surely it’s something closer to 75%!!” Then I nuke up a Hot Pocket and take a Forget Me Now to keep my sanity intact.

Unfortunately for delusionally optimistic MMA fans like us here at CagePotato (lol!), the results that these new UFC drug-testing policies have garnered seem to align with the increasingly popular opinion that everyone in the sport is on PED’s and it’s simply a matter of time until they slip up. Case in point: Gilbert Melendez (aka Giblert aka “Le Nino”), the last guy you’d expect to test positive for anything, who conversely just tested positive for something.

Statements from Gilbert and the UFC are after the jump.  

Yes, according to BloodyElbow, Melendez tested positive for an “exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites” following his split decision loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188 and has been suspended for a year as a result. The news was announced by the UFC via a press release below:

Following his bout at UFC 188 in Mexico City on June 13, UFC lightweight Gilbert Melendez tested positive for exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites. The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by our athletes. As a result of the positive test, Melendez has accepted a one-year suspension, effective from the date of the bout, for violating the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC. 

“Regrettably, I tested positive in my post fight urine sample for UFC 188,” Melendez said. “I did not inject anything, but I am responsible and accept the consequences for the results.  I will make sure I am better educated about the products I use and their implications. Going forward I will ensure no products I use will contain banned substances. I am sincerely apologetic to everyone who supports me, including my fans, sponsors and the UFC.  I value your trust and respect and will do everything in my power to keep it.”

Melendez will no longer compete as scheduled on July 15. UFC officials are currently seeking a new opponent for Al Iaquinta, who was scheduled to face Melendez.

Well, at least Gil accepted responsibility for it. On a related note, I think “I did not inject anything” should become MMA’s version of “I never inhaled.”

As mentioned in the release, Al Iaquinta has now lost his second dance partner (after Bobby Green) for his Fight Night 71 co-headliner, and has since been pulled from the event altogether. He is not pleased, as you might imagine.

“I want to break something. I want to slam my head on the desk again. I don’t know. I’m just disappointed. I can’t describe it, man,” said Iaquinta on yesterday’s MMA Hour.

“I was ready to go. It was a perfect fight for me stylistically. I brought in guys who really had a good style and I’ve been doing great with the sparring, so it’s just, I don’t know, I’m just frustrated right now, man. I’m real frustrated.”

We’re frustrated too, Al. But while we’re waiting to hear when and where you’ll fight next, let’s just celebrate the fact that another cheater has been outed with that timeless Queen tune. Kick it, boys!

The post Gilbert Melendez Tests Positive for Testosterone Metabolites, Suspended One Year appeared first on Cagepotato.