Elite XC Standing Behind Their Bigfoot

Despite a positive drug test, Elite XC heavyweight champ Antonio Silva is insisting that he did not take the horse-friendly Boldenone, as the California State Athletic Commission claims. His agent, ATT's Alex Davis, wasted no time in refuting the charge, which we just assumed was something agents were obliged to do. Sean Sherk taught us that sometimes just challenging the positive test is enough to get your suspension reduced, so why not give it a shot?

But now Jeremy Lappen, Elite XC's Head of Fight Operations, is getting in on the act with this statement released to the media via email:

"We respect the California commission and the job they do. We always enjoy working with them and work very well together. The illegal use of steroids is a problem in all major sports, including mixed martial arts. We certainly do not condone the use of steroids.

“But we also support, trust and have confidence in our fighter, Antonio Silva, who has denied ever taken any illegal substance, including steroids, and is prepared to challenge the results of the California Commission.

“So until all the facts are known and a final decision is rendered, EliteXC will reserve making any further comments at this time.’’

Now we've got a real fight on our hands. It's unclear what "facts" Lappen is waiting for, since Silva's A and B samples both tested positive for the drug, which supposedly has such a long half-life in the body as to make a positive fairly damning.

It's noble for Elite XC to stick up for their guy, but it's also a bit of a risk. It makes me wonder, has Lappen ever actually seen Silva? Of all the people I'd be willing to stick my neck out for when it comes to steroid allegations, the guy with the frighteningly-prominent brow and the Cro-Magnon jaw structure might not be my first choice.