Dana White puts Interesting Spin on MMA Steroid Users

If you follow mixed martial arts news, then you probably heard that UFC star Chael Sonnen failed a steroid test. As usual, the media has been quick to chastise him for the failed test even though there is "more to the story" as UFC President Dana White pointed out.

White also cleared up some misconceptions people have about the UFC's role in the matter by saying, "People look at me and say, 'you're the commissioner of this so you're supposed to do this and that.' No. The way that this works is, the athletic commission oversees us. Every time these guys step in and compete, the athletic commission drug tests them, does everything. And everybody has this belief that, 'oh, Dana White has the commission in [his hands].' The commission doesn't give a shit what I think. What I think, what I have to say. Nothing. You're dealing with the government."

Dana White added another interesting point about what happens to a fighter after they're caught juicing he said, "This isn't like the NFL where it's, 'oh, you got busted and now we're going to decide to suspend you for four games.' The government comes in and takes away your ability to make a living for a year. Then on top of that, the money you made in that fight, they're going to fine you. Many guys already have that money spent."

Perhaps my favorite part about White's spin on the Chael Sonnen positive test is when he took at shot at former UFC member Josh Barnett. He said, "Everybody makes mistakes, it's how you deal with those mistakes. You take a guy like Josh Barnett....this guy has tested positive three times, denies every time that he's taken steroids. He comes out with an interview last week, basically saying 'I don't care about anyone else. The only person I care about is myself. I got some fans out there, thanks for following me or whatever, but I'm not fighting for you, I'm fighting for me.' This is a guy who single handedly put a company out of business (Affliction) for doing what he did and has zero remorse for it."

I always love listening to Dana White interviews and this was a great spin on the whole subject of mixed martial arts and steroids. Can't wait until the next Pay-Per-View!

Author: George Spellwin