Diaz files challenge to NSAC suspension
Per a response filed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on March 7, UFC welterweight Nick Diaz is challenging the…
Per a response filed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on March 7, UFC welterweight Nick Diaz is challenging the commission’s complaint for disciplinary action that he tested positive for a prohibited substance following a Feb. 4 contest in Las Vegas.
That suspension is unwarranted, according to Diaz’s attorney, Ross Goodman, who states that “marijuana metabolites” are not a prohibited substance according to the list used by the NSAC, which is adopted from the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“Marijuana is the only substance that is prohibited; not marijuana metabolites,” Goodman told ESPN.com.
“The basis to discipline Mr. Diaz is that he tested positive for a prohibited substance. We know he didn’t test positive for marijuana. So, you look to see at WADA whether marijuana metabolites are prohibited. They do not prohibit it in any category.”
According to Goodman, the substance Diaz tested positive for was THC-Carboxylic Acid, an inactive marijuana metabolite. NSAC executive director Keith Kizer was unavailable to comment on that claim Monday.
The response filed to the commission, therefore, challenges that Diaz merely tested positive for an inactive metabolite, which is not listed as a prohibited substance.