Russ Miura’s Management Opted to File Protest to Commission After DeJesus’ Failed Dru

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Damon Martin
from mmaweekly
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Russ Miura

Russ Miura’s management clears up any misgivings about the protest that was filed on behalf of their fighter regarding the fight with Isaac DeJesus in Tachi Palace Fights

On Tuesday, a protest was filed regarding the fight between Russ Miura and Isaac DeJesus after the latter tested positive for marijuana following the bout, and was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission.

The fight ended with DeJesus knocking out Miura in the first round, but was suspended for 6 months and fined $500 by the commission for his penalty for testing positive for marijuana.

It has now been clarified that it was Miura’s management group, not the fighter himself, that filed a grievance with the commission regarding the fight, seeking an overturn on the decision due to the positive drug test.

Miura’s manager Jason House of Iridium Sports Agency released the statement to MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday.

“There has been some controversy concerning the Russ Miura appeal to the CSAC. We would like to officially state to the CSAC, the press, Mr. DeJesus and his camp and to the fans of both Mr. Miura and Mr. DeJesus that the decision to initiate an appeal was made by our management agency and not at Mr. Miura’s request,” House wrote.

He goes on to say it was DeJesus’ continued lack of professional behavior that entered into their making the decision to file an appeal with the commission. DeJesus did miss making weight for the fight, and Tachi Palace Fight officials stripped him of his featherweight title for the infraction.

“After a series of events beginning with him showing up late to weigh ins, missing weight at the weigh ins, refusing to cut the extra weight before the bout, threatening to pull out of the bout the night before and now finally the culmination of testing positive for Marijuana by Mr. DeJesus; we had reached the peak of our tolerance for unprofessional conduct,” House stated.

Although we hold no position against the recreational use of medicinal marijuana with a proper license, that is not the case that exists here. Executive Director George Dodd made it clear to us that Mr. DeJesus tested positive immediately after the fight for the banned substance Marijuana. Per rule 368, at the discretion of the CSAC, the result of the fight can be overturned when a fighter tests positive for a banned substance such as Marijuana.”

The statement goes on to discuss the illegality of marijuana in regards to commission testing, and refers back to the 2007 fight between Nick Diaz and Takanori Gomi. Diaz won the fight by gogoplata submission, but tested positive for marijuana following the bout.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission opted to suspend Diaz and overturn the decision calling the fight a no-contest.

“Medical studies have shown that the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), might provide some medical benefits in some patients such as the relief of chronic or neuropathic pains or body ailments received through training, increased appetite and rapid weight gain, and decreased nausea and nerve or muscle relaxation before a fight,” House wrote. “It is our position that rules are rules, and no fighter deserves special treatment especially at such a reputable promotion like Tachi Palace.

“From the “no contest” precedent set by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in the Nick Diaz v. Takanori Gomi bout in 2007, we felt that it was our professional responsibility to both our client Mr. Miura and MMA fans to pursue this remedy advocating a zero tolerance policy against banned substance abuse. We believe that absolutely no benefit should be received from a professional that abuses this policy. We appreciate the continued professionalism of everyone involved in the events surrounding this controversy, and leave judgment to the sole discretion of the governing authority, the CSAC.”

The California State Athletic commission is set to rule on the protest during a June 20 hearing.