Nevada AG files complaint against Wanderlei Silva
The Nevada attorney general’s office has filed a formal complaint against Wanderlei Silva, following the fighter’s refusal to take a PED test in May.
In May Wanderlei Silva literally ran from a Performance Enhancing Drug test administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission. The NSAC has no alternative but to regard refusal as a failed test, and will in all likelihood suspend “The Axe Murderer” for a year.
While keeping a positive mindset is essential to being a successful fighter, Silva’s response to the failure to test has a worrying air of unreality to it.
During a formal hearing, Silva admitted to using a banned diuretic, saying to he took it to help with a wrist injury.
In an interview with Tatame last month, Wand said he had tested himself, and would be ready to fight within two months.
“Life is great. I’m training well,” said Silva as translated by Guilherme Cruz for MMAFighting. “I did a test on my own in Brazil, on June 6, to see if the corticoid and the diuretic were already out of my body. I also tested my testosterone levels… I’m totally clean and cleared to fight as soon as possible. I’m just waiting for the UFC to tell me a date and local. In two months, I will be ready to fight.”
UFC president Dana White offered a blunt assessment.
“He’s very wrong,” said White.
Now Steven Marrocco reports that Silva problems have begun.
The Nevada attorney general’s office has filed a formal complaint against Wanderlei Silva, asking the commission to hold the fighter responsible for evading a random drug test and his admitted illicit drug use in advance of an ill-fated meeting with Chael Sonnen at UFC 175.
Although Silva was unlicensed at the time of his offenses, the complaint defines him as an unarmed combatant who is subject to the NSAC’s rules on banned substances.
The AG’s office seeks costs associated with the Silva case, including investigative costs and attorney’s fees, and any other punishment the commission sees fit, which could include barring him from applying for a license in the state for a period of time. Silva has 20 days to respond; his case will be addressed at a commission hearing at a date to be determined.
Wanderlei is one of the most beloved fighters in the history of the sport, which makes his current troubles all the more alarming.