(Nick’s the shirtless guy in the back who just don’t give a fuck. Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.)
For a card that’s already seen its share of unfortunate pull-outs, the last thing that "Carano vs. Cyborg" needed was Nick Diaz putting his welterweight title fight in danger due to his rampant marijuana addiction. And yet, rumors have been swirling since Saturday that the Diaz/Hieron match might be scrapped due to licensing issues. FiveOuncesofPain has gotten the full story from California State Athletic Commission Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas. It’s a long read, but a fascinating (and infuriating) one, and it awaits you after the jump.
*****
“When we initially made contact with the Diaz camp in regards to acquiring the pre-fight drug testing he was allegedly training in Florida with American Top Team and not available to be in California. No problem. We were trying to be accommodating.
We knew he was scheduled to be a special guest at a boxing/kickboxing event that was taking place this past Friday evening. So we contacted Cesar Gracie on Wednesday to make the arrangements and let them know that we’ve been trying to arrange this drug test for some time. You know, we were like, ‘Let’s make this happen sooner than later because we want to make sure that we get the test results back in time. Technically we would have to get the test done by Friday to insure that we have enough time to get a drug test processed, it doesn’t take as long as a steroid test. So let’s do this’.
Well they wanted a clarification on a legal opinion about medicinal marijuana in California because of the deal that was allegedly made between Nick Diaz and Armando Garcia. And I’m sitting here thinking, well Armando hasn’t been here since November. Is that really the policies of a person that we want to emulate at this point in time. So lets disregard that but Cesar asked for a legal opinion and at that point I’m obligated to give it to him. I went back to the department’s legal team, and what they clarified was that the passionate use act in California will protect people from criminal prosecution for the use of medicinal marijuana, but it does not protect them from administrative action against a license. So there is no criminal actions here against Mr. Diaz, it’s a licensing action that still falls in line with our rule 303 prohibiting use of a banned substance, and at this time in regards to athletic competition marijuana is still considered banned. So that’s what we came back to Cesar with.
On Thursday we actually made arrangements again with Cesar. I set it up on this end for an athletic inspector who was going to be in Sacramento to wait for them and greet them. Cesar made contact with the athletic inspector and agreed that it would be best to do the drug test prior to the Friday evening boxing/kickboxing event, because of the fact that Nick was going to be there anyway. Cesar wanted to do it before anyone got there, we said no problem. We confirmed it with Cesar on behalf of Nick and this inspector. On Friday evening I get a phone call from the inspector saying they no-showed. There’s no Nick Diaz, there’s no Cesar Gracie, there’s nobody. When I reached out to Nick through phone call I was informed that Nick was busy training at Donner Lake. And I’m sitting here thinking that there’s a huge problem because to get to Donner Lake you have to go through Sacramento. So what’s the deal.
Now Nick Diaz is completely unavailable, so I call the promoter and tell him we have a huge problem. I told him that I was out of options and didn’t know what to do. At this point, without his license, we can’t approve him to fight Jay Hieron. So this is fairly late in the evening on Friday night, about 9 or 10 pm on Friday night. I was on the phone at all hours dealing with this on Friday night, and the promoter said , ‘How about this as an option? How about we make sure that Nick is in Los Angeles on Monday. That way at least he’s there and we can drive him over to the lab’. I said, ‘You know what. In interest in fairness to Nick, interest of fairness to you and all of the fans that have wanted to see this fight; let’s do that. I’m all for second chances, let’s do whatever we can to get this man licensed. This is the only possible way we could get the test results on Friday. I even went as far as to say that I wouldn’t give a cut off time for the test results. I will take the test results up until seconds before Nick Diaz has to get on the scale. Seriously, I want to get this man licensed. The promoter said, ‘Excellent, thanks for this opportunity. We appreciate it. He’ll be there.’ And that was the last time we’ve heard from anybody. At least if we could get the test done by 2 pm this afternoon and get it to the lab by 5 pm, we’ll be alright.
I attempted to contact the promoters of the event on Saturday night as far as what needed to be done, and again at midnight. The inspector has also made attempts to contact them on Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and again this morning, and neither one of us has heard anything from either the promoter or the Diaz camp. I’m sitting here thinking that we’ve done everything we can to try to get ahold of them and if we can’t get a simple phone call back, or some kind of fax, or an email, just one line, something; If they can’t meet us halfway on that, then it’s doomed.”
*****
Diaz has a long history of weed-based scandals. His triumphant gogoplata win over Takanori Gomi at PRIDE 33 was changed to a no-contest after Diaz tested positive for an ungodly amount of THC. Diaz was also blocked from competing at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le, reportedly due to his usage of medical marijuana. Nevertheless, he convinced himself (and admitted to a major newspaper) that he could pass drug tests by drinking and sweating. So what went wrong this time? Did Diaz go on a marijuana binge last week that no amount of water could remove from his system? No matter how this situation plays out, Strikeforce will probably think twice from now on before placing the Smoker from Stockton in a critical main card fight. And Diaz might want to consider a treatment program before he screws his career for good. More to come…
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Comments
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:05
This CSAC thing is getting to be a chronic problem. c wat i did thar.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:05
If he'd at least responded to the CSAC, he might have been able to talk them into doing it the day of the weigh-ins or maybe even the day of the fight, just this one more time because of the confusion. But not returning calls kinda makes it clear that you're not interested in working WITH them.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:10
So you can get paid to fight a legit contender on a potentially HUGE card for Strikeforce...or...you can hit this bong. "One hit, then I got to go"
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:12
This is a joke. What competative advantage does Diaz get from smoking. It would only hurt his cardio which is obviously not a problem for the triathlete. It just shouldn't be listed on the banned substances. Only substances that give a fighter a competative advantage should. Just let him be. Why do you think he drops the Stockton "hey buddies" all the time? Can't the man catch a break?
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:15
Isn't today monday? i hope he makes it. I'm looking forward to this fight. this is some bullshit Marijuana isn't steroids they need to let this shit slide. DAMN THE MAN!!!
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:17
@Fedor vs. Bas If it's consumed in a large amount, it can masks the pain.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:19
Funny one, Juice. Quite 'word-smithy', ya know? Man, I'm pissed about this. This is straight up stupid on Diaz's part. To blow these guys off again and again? Nice move. Diaz will never fight in Cali again. Coker's probably ready to shoot himself. What else could happen to this card... ...ya know, I better shut up before something else DOES happen. I'm really looking forward to this fight and I was super-pumped when Diaz got added to the card. It'll still be good, but Diaz will be missed. I wonder what they'll do with Jay? Kinda late to bring in a replacement. Once again, another fighter screws another fighter outta their payday.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:19
When they initially announced this card it was better than UFC 100, now its the same caliber as any of the "Ultimate Fighter Finales." Diaz man, I love weed too, but not as much as I love money. Asshole.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:20
Ditto, Lockdown.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:32
You'd have to be high to think ducking the CSAC was a good idea. Oh, wait, never mind.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:33
Marijuana's a helluva drug.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:37
Maybe he's too busy signing a new UFC contract.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:38
I find it hilarious that people say they're "Addicted to Marijuana" or that someone has a physical dependance on Marijuana. Marijuana itself isn't addictive, however it is habit-forming, and one can become addicted to the feeling of being high. But it's not like when he quits he's going to be lying in bed all day shaking in cold sweats like he would if he were addicted to Percocets.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:40
so if you consume enough bud to mask the pain then you wouldn't have near the stamina or reflexes to fight. it doesn't help you in any way at all in a fight with someone with any skill. it is a rule so you should obide by this but it is a stupid one. i love the marijuana addiction comment also. just how addicted can you get to bud. i mean i like it... alot.. way more than the next guy but never had i said if i don't smoke a bowl i'm gonna gut some one, nor have i ever sukd a dik for it so as far as addiction goes, i really don't think but can fall into that kind of category. but ignorance prevails most of the time when we talk about pot, and its magical capabilities.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:41
@ the idiots who think marijuana is somehow an advantage.. athletic commissions list thc as a banned drug because they believe it will harm the fighters. Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug (meaning, no medicinal benefit whatsoever), so they have no choice but to ban to "protect" the fighters from it.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:43
Maybe he keeps forgetting? ** marijuana causes memory loss**
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:46
Fuck this bullshit, smoking marijuana shouldn't be any of the Athletic commission's business.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:50
This idiot is why stoners get a bad rap. Anyone who lets something as innocuous as weed get in the way of their livelihood is making bad choices beyond just doing drugs. He knows when he has to test and he can't just quit for a few weeks? Sounds fishy. What an asshole.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 12:51
ummm Marijuana is still as of now... an illegal drug, so why in anyway should you be allowed to smoke it? Silly that people are arguing against this ruling. I could understand if it was the first time, but he's already been through this and had a win taken away from it and lost 20% of his purse. The guy is a moron, and he's a b-level at best fighter anyway.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:01
Strikeforce is definitly on it's way down. It's especially upsetting to see Dana White call it.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:03
@C-Bus Allstar & tuRdLe420 I couldn't agree with you more. This is BS.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:04
I don't know if you can be Nick Diaz and not smoke weed. He has a career because he smokes weed. If he didn't he'd be in the big house for assault and robbery. I say good for him, he found something that helps maintain an awesome lifestyle and he lives by his own rules because he can (even with those big slow gangly looking strikes that somehow have power).
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:07
C-mon Homey... just go piss in the little cup,huh? You're fuckin up my weekend already and it's only Monday. What the hell I've got to look forward to now?
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:23
"Marijuana addiction"....Ha! Sounds like something my grandmother would say.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:30
LMAO @ the potheads who blame the Athletic commision and not Diaz for him failing to abstain from smoking an illegal drug. If it isn't addictive, than why can't this fucker stop it long enough to prepare for the biggest fight of his career? You screw up your life opportunities doing drugs... but don't blame the drug user, blame "the man" right? I don't care if all you weedies spend all day and night tokin up and watching Spongebob- but but don't cry and complain when you fail the McDonalds pee test and get fired... YOU are soley responsible... just like Diaz is for losing his title shot.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:32
When consumed in large amounts, Weed does not mask pain. That is straight retarded. There is absolutely no benefit in MMA if you smoke weed. Nothing. Being hungry, happy, and sometimes sleepy doesnt seem like that would benefit a fighter. So there is no reason for it to be outlawed like it is a steroid or cocaine. Fucking morons who think marijuana is a drug or that it is worse than Alcohol or Cigarettes need to kill themselves. And Nick Diaz is certaintly acting like he has alot of shit to hide. Not something I would like to do when dealing with Athletic Commisions and a fucking paycheck to live off of. Lastly, this really sucks for Heiron if Diaz cant compete. First affliction's sorry ass event got cancelled (which Heiron was fighting in), now he might not even fight this month.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:37
831 right on. its only going to make it harder for him to make weight.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:50
831, so anyone who is not a habitual user of youran illegal drug, or who doesn't support drug users needs to kill themselves? Nice. I also know a lot of cigarette smokers who will argue to their dieing day that it doesn't cause cancer... why? because they are addicts. I also have heard a lot of heroin addicts claim they can stop at anytime... maybe we should legalize that too? Bottomline. Weed is a banned drug in the US. If you have it then you are breaking the law and expect a punishment. it's your choice to be a criminal or not. It's Diaz' choice to screw up his life over a drug that users say doesn't hurt and isn't addicitve- so maybe he should just decide which he loves more- smoking pot or being a fighter with a paycheck.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:53
This is weird, 24 hours is plenty of time to flush your system from "da herb"... a whole weekend and he should of been really clean. Trippy dude.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:58
yeah rodney has never smoked weed. Clearly ignorant. The only reason its illegal is because the us governments makes to much money on their prescription pain killers. The same pain killers that are turning users to stronger opiate drugs such as heroin.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 01:58
Maybe Diaz should look up the recipe for that drink mixture that eliminates all traces of marijuana from your body within 24 hours. I heard Tommy Chong came up with that one.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:02
Have you ever witnessed a man's professional fighting career disappear? Yeah but, have you ever witnessed a man's professional fighting career disappear......ON WEED?
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:02
Hey Nick - Grow up already. You just fucked Jay out of a pay day.....
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:10
No Rodney. I was implying that marijuana should never be in the same category as a drug. And it should not be illegal considering Alcohol as well as cigarettes kills millions every year. How many deaths from weed? NONE. And weed isnt really a banned drug where I live in Cali. If a cop pulls you over here, and you have to get searched because the car smells like weed, and you have an eighth, you will be let go. It happened to me and I dont even have my medical marijuana card. They are looking for real drugs, not some herb that helps cancer patients live a decent life, as well as the huge population that uses it for recreational use. Plus, its a good money making tool. Oakland, California is going to bring in over 300 thousand dollars annually just from the marijuana dispensaries. And that money is going to the community and state, something that this country should recognize and start doing.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:11
spladle, Ive never smoked cigs either- but I know they are bad for you. I've also never jumped in front of a bus... not going to try that anytime soon. but maybe I'll take up weed since all of you say it is soooo cool. always trust the drug addicts right?!
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:17
831, I understand your views. My biggest point was that it is considered illegal almost everywhere in the US and when you make the decision to do something illegal you have to live with the issues that follow. Diaz decides to get high, it's illegal and banned by the commision, so the reprecussions are his fault alone.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:28
I know. thats why i said this in my first post: "And Nick Diaz is certaintly acting like he has alot of shit to hide. Not something I would like to do when dealing with Athletic Commisions and a fucking paycheck to live off of." But you are obviously so against weed its remarkably, stunningly, hypocritical and ignorant.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:33
KidDinomite-I've heard of that, but that's not a good idea for fighters. I don't recall the details, but it removes the presence of other hormones or some shit, so they can't detect the THC, but they would be able to detect the absence of other stuff (which would probably make them suspicious of steroids, more than anything).
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:36
Rodney-If you are actually trying to compare heroin addiction to marijuana addiction, you are even dumber than your poor grammar would indicate.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:41
I agree, it's illegal so it's illegal. Which is why it must be on the CSAC list. But if you think you can consume enough to mask the pain, think again. If you were to consume said amount you would be unconscious and unable to compete. But still, Nick, I'm a big fan, just put down the bong or be responsible and answer the phone. Do what it takes to pass the test. Drink, take niacin, that's probably banned or whatever people do to pass drug tests. But damn man, we want to see you fight.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 02:48
Yeah, Nick is an idiot for letting it jeopardize his fight. The AC is retarded for thinking that it will let you mask the pain and still compete at the same level. You'd have to be just as retarded to fight high. The only advantage I can think of, is that for him, it probably makes the training camp easier...but at the same time, it hurts cardio (but he's got plenty to spair w/ his marathon running and whatnot).
Mon, 08/10/09 - 03:19
Hey Ben, its been confirmed that it's now a bout between Jesse Taylor and Jay Hieron.....Nick didn't show up to the drug screen.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 03:42
First off, C.B, you made me lol you son of a bitch...i hate you for that. I don't smoke weed but I don't care or judge people that do. It's an adult decision and it's yours to make. As long as it doesn't interfere with my personal life you can smoke all day everyday for the rest of your life and I would never look twice. I also don't think that Marijuana gives athletes/fighters any sort of advantage, in fact I would argue it being a disadvantage. That being said it's ILLEGAL. If you agree with it being illegal or not is for another arguement. Maybe the CSAC doesn't really care too much about marijuana but since it's illegal they have to ban it and inforce the rules when it comes up. Diaz admits he smokes, that's his choice, but when his decisions start effecting other fighters payday thats when something should be done. Herion might not get that check now and he did nothing to deserve it.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 06:18
Either Diaz is incredibly stupid ( and I don't think he is ) or D.W is playin hardball and promising Diaz cash/contracts & all the weed he can smoke to walk away from Strikeforce, either way will soon find out.
Mon, 08/10/09 - 07:53
Even though it's ridicoulus to consider THC a performance enhancer it's also pretty stupid to ignore the CSAC... I bet something happened to Diaz that we don't know of. He is a proffessional fighter and he's been fighting for a long time so there's no way he's doing this thinking that he will still get to fight. @tuRdLe420 So you're just sucking dick for sport then?
Mon, 08/10/09 - 07:54
Come of you guys are gay - trying to make some larger statement about the legality of weed. The fact is, it's illegal - California has muddied the waters wit their medical weed bullshit - but it's a hoax - like the Sasquatch or his North American cousin the Yetti. The SCAC deemed it a banned substance and if you want to fight there, you need to stay clean for a whole month. Nick you Eddie Munster looking marble-mouth - growth the fuck up!!!! Stay clean for a whopping 35 days or so and get paid - or flush your career down the tubes and go run local triathlons at mediocre times....your decision "homey" Oh yeah, that's right "you don't give a fuck" according to your words - a real genius
Mon, 08/10/09 - 10:32
I'm pretty sure A. Silva was high on weed when he fought Forrest. He saw punches come at him in slow motion and dodge them like Neo. What a cheater.
Tue, 08/11/09 - 01:17
it takes a minimum of 3 weeks to properly flush marijuana out of your system. a person who smokes medical marijuana would need much longer due to the regular or perhaps daily use..
Tue, 08/11/09 - 02:14
don't think that information is correct, budsellers. It can and has been done faster.
Fri, 09/16/11 - 01:32
[...] Originally Posted by AncientEnemy That's a different story. He's medically granted Marijuana however the AC doesn't allow it, so he needs a certain time frame to flush it from his system, I believe he said 8 days, and I remember they were trying to make him take a test earlier than previously scheduled which is why he was not able to go. Wrong. Nick Diaz Ditches CSAC Drug Tests, Strikeforce Title Fight Against Jay Hieron May Be ‘Doomed&#... [...]
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