Will
08-21-2014, 11:56 PM
Following failed drug tests at UFC 175 and The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, respectively, Kevin Casey and Robert Drysdale received temporary suspensions at a Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting today in Las Vegas.
Casey, who tested positive for the steroid drostanalone following a first-round TKO win over William “Bubba” Bush on July 5, called into the meeting and agreed to the temporary suspension, pending a formal hearing. He admitted to taking the weight-cutting aid on Twitter after MMAjunkie first reported his failed test.
Drysdale, who tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio following a submission of Keith Berish on July 6, was present at the hearing and represented by council, who wished to present his case. The commission’s legal rep, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Chris Eccles, demurred on that request, noting that Drysdale had not formally responded to the findings against him.
After Drysdale’s lawyers agreed to present his case at a later date, the commission voted unanimously for a temporary suspension.
The suspensions are a formality as the commission prepares a formal complaint against the fighters. It was Casey’s first offense in Nevada while it was Drysdale’s second misstep after the NSAC declined to clear him for this past November’s UFC 167 event based on a high T/E ratio.
Eccles said both men underwent urine tests. However, Eccles previously told MMAjunkie that UFC 175 employed enhanced drug testing with both blood and urine.
“TUF 17” veteran Casey (8-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) returned to the octagon at UFC 175 after a three-fight winning streak on the regional circuit. Drysdale (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), a decorated jiu-jitsu competitor, remains unbeaten in seven pro fights, though he and Casey are likely to have their wins overturned to no-contests. They could also faces fines and suspensions.
Casey, who tested positive for the steroid drostanalone following a first-round TKO win over William “Bubba” Bush on July 5, called into the meeting and agreed to the temporary suspension, pending a formal hearing. He admitted to taking the weight-cutting aid on Twitter after MMAjunkie first reported his failed test.
Drysdale, who tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio following a submission of Keith Berish on July 6, was present at the hearing and represented by council, who wished to present his case. The commission’s legal rep, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Chris Eccles, demurred on that request, noting that Drysdale had not formally responded to the findings against him.
After Drysdale’s lawyers agreed to present his case at a later date, the commission voted unanimously for a temporary suspension.
The suspensions are a formality as the commission prepares a formal complaint against the fighters. It was Casey’s first offense in Nevada while it was Drysdale’s second misstep after the NSAC declined to clear him for this past November’s UFC 167 event based on a high T/E ratio.
Eccles said both men underwent urine tests. However, Eccles previously told MMAjunkie that UFC 175 employed enhanced drug testing with both blood and urine.
“TUF 17” veteran Casey (8-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) returned to the octagon at UFC 175 after a three-fight winning streak on the regional circuit. Drysdale (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), a decorated jiu-jitsu competitor, remains unbeaten in seven pro fights, though he and Casey are likely to have their wins overturned to no-contests. They could also faces fines and suspensions.