Nate Diaz Test Reveals Flaws with USADA
Nate Diaz doesn’t just fight for ‘BMF’ titles. For Diaz, the movement is a lifestyle. Part of being a ‘BMF” is not just what happens inside of the octagon. Nate’s rebellious behavior for standing up for what he believes in is the embodiment of what the new UFC title is all about. The UFC’s “BMF” title was in jeopardy after Nate failed a drug test issued by the doping agency USADA. Since then, Diaz’s name has been cleared upon the discovery of an all-natural vegan supplement. However, Diaz isn’t just satisfied with being able to carry on with the fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 245. Also, he wants both USADA and the UFC to clear his name.
Now, Diaz has been exonerated of all accusations made by USADA. It made the media and fans look a little closer at how USADA handles their testing policy. Jeff Novitzky, who is the current Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, recently spoke out in favor of Diaz’s innocence.
UFC and USADA Issue Statements Regarding Diaz
“It is as rock-solid evidence as I’ve ever seen in the history of my anti-doping career when it comes to a contaminant,” said Jeff. “To say he did anything wrong, you’d have to say, ‘You did something wrong by choosing a plant-based, vegan, organic multivitamin that said on the label they were lab tested.’ Somebody can say he did something wrong on that? It’s a shame if they would. The guy did nothing wrong.”
Additionally, after exoneration, USADA issued a statement about Diaz as well. The statement is available to read on the UFC’s website.
“Following Mr. Diaz’s public comments on Thursday, we can confirm that he has not been sanctioned or provisionally suspended by USADA. As the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Program, USADA always provides every athlete the presumption of innocence. If the athlete publicly speaks of a potential violation first, then USADA may choose to comment.” the statement read.
Issues with USADA’s Testing
Diaz’s case displayed serious issues with USADA’s transparency policies regarding when fighters test positive for banned substances. Nate had to jump ahead of the issue. He had to tell the world that he popped, and try to get ahead of the situation before USADA made the announcement. Because it was Nate, the public perception of the failed test didn’t raise any skepticism between him and fans. In fact, almost everyone was in unison that Nate would be proven innocent, it was just a matter of when.
In other cases, fighter’s have had to live with being viewed as a cheater before USADA cleared their name months later. With Nate, USADA was able to move quickly by Nates request, and also to keep the “BMF” title main event alive.
Hopefully, the testing policy will be able to move much quicker, as it did with Nate. If USADA is going to implement its policies, proving fighters’ innocence should be just as important as revealing their failed tests.
