Richman tests positive for PEDs, suspended two years
Bellator MMA’s Mike Richman not only missed weight for his most recent fight, but will now have to sit on the bench for two years after a positive PED test.
Bellator MMA’s Mike Richman not only missed weight for his most recent fight, but will now have to sit on the bench for two years after a positive PED test:
Richman tested positive for a banned substance on the night he fought Eduardo Dantas in the co-main event of Bellator 137 on May 15 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., California State Athletic Commission executive officer Andy Foster confirmed with MMAFighting.com on Tuesday.
Sherdog initially reported the news.
Foster is not legally able to say what substance was found in Richman’s drug screen, but Bellator confirmed it was a performance-enhancing drug. Foster said Richman will be hit with a two-year suspension and the maximum $2,500 fine. Richman will have the right to appeal.
For his part, Richman took complete responsibility, and described the punishment as deserving.
MIKE RICHMAN @MikeUSMCRichman
In regards to my positive test results for an Anabolic Steroid. I want to say that I lost the integrity in myself and the integrity of this sport. I will not sit here and deny that I took it or act like I didn’t know what I was taking or blame it on someone else. I am a cheat, plan and simple and there is no excuse or reason that is valid enough to dispute the reasons why I cheated the sport and myself by using it. I want to apologize to Bellator MMA for my actions. I want to apologize again to my hard working Teammates who are not cutting corners and busting their asses off everyday in the gym to better themselves. I want to apologize to My head MMA coach Greg Nelson for making him and his gym the Academy look bad. He had no knowledge of me using at all. I want to make the same apology to my S&C coach Matt Miller of Horsepower strength and conditioning, he also had no knowledge of my use of this Anabolic Steroid. I apologize to all my sponsors that support me, my family that loves me, and my friends and fans that cheer for me. I deserve every bit of backlash and hate I’m going to receive from the media and the fans of this great sport. I take full responsibility in my actions and the decisions I made. I also deserve the punishment the CA state athletic commission brought down upon me.
Big John McCarthy @JohnMcCarthyMMA
Totally admire your honesty in this tough situation. Look forward 2 seeing u back @BellatorMMA when this has passed
John Alessio @johnalessio79
I have to say it was very big of @MikeUSMCRichman being so honest about his mistake, we all make mistakes but some can’t admit them!
Frank Trigg
Well Said, You deserve anything that comes your way but to be honest it will be more fans and more from your sponsors because you stood up and admitted your mistake instead of hiding behind someone or something else.