Sherk to California: Never Again

If given the chance to fight in California a fourth time, UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk won't say yes.

Almost a half year removed from a positive test for nandrolone, Sherk -- one of 41 mixed martial artists popped for banned substances in the Golden State since a widespread anti-doping policy was implemented in March -- finally had a chance to defend himself in front of the California State Athletic Commission.

"At this stage of my career, there's absolutely no way I'd do something like that," Sherk said during his opening statement.

Link

"Though Sherk and Jacobs complained they didn't have a chance to offer a proper defense under the rules outlined by the commission -- no witnesses, no direct cross examination -- Garcia suggested the process was entirely 'democratic.' "

Whether or not he did it, WTF IS THAT!!! How is that fair at all when the accusers get to produce all the evidence and witnesses they want, but the defense can't produce witnesses OR directly cross-examine state's witnesses.

I have to say, it does seem like an unfair process. And both Sherk and Baroni seemed as if they both felt very slighted by the whole process. And they never did give a reason for shortening their sentences. In Sherks case I could see it being because the process took so long, but Baroni's was not dragged out. It seemed like in his case that they knew they messed up, so they cut him some slack. Very shady.

And while Im thinking about it, I cant recall anyone really complaing about the process for the NSAC and the UFC has certainly held many more events there. Makes you wonder.

He may refuse to fight in California again, but Quest Diagnostics is a nation-wide lab and can be used by any state athletic commission.

It's in everyone's best interest that Quest, and any other lab used, establishes rigorous guidelines around the chain-of-custody of the samples and any other "irregularities" in sample testing alleged by Sherk's attorney.

How about Sherk to steroids: never again?