Silva, Dewees Test Positive *Update* EXC Responds!

[keithlewis]

CSAC suspends Antonio Silva for one year

The California State Athletic Commission alerted the media via e-mail on Thursday that EliteXC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva failed a drug test administered by the commission just prior to his winning the then-vacant title against Justin Eilers on July 26 in a fight televised on SHOWTIME.

According to the commission, Silva is accused of testing positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone. As a result of the test failure, Silva has been suspended by the commission for a year and has been fined $2,500. He has the right to an appeal hearing.

CSAC officials tested both an “A” and a “B” sample with each sample going to a separate laboratory company. Getting an appeal for a positive test overturned rarely happens, meaning that Silva is very likely to be stripped of the heavyweight title.

The commission has also alerted the media that Edwin Dewees has been suspended for alleged use of steroids as well. CSAC contends that Dewees tested positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone for his fight against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on July 19 at Affliction: Banned. Like Silva, he has been suspended for a year and fined $2,500.

[keithlewis]

Alex Davis, the manager for suspended EliteXC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva, recently issued a statement on behalf of Silva via the Underground forum at MixedMartialArts.com in which Silva proclaims his innocence.

“Dear Family, Friends, Fans and Public, I did not use the steroid Boldenone, or any other steroid of prohibited substance,” Silva’s statement began. “I don’t agree and never have agreed with the use of this kind of product in order to win, for this is cheating. I will go to the full extent of my power and the law to prove my innocence in this matter.”

Boldenone is an anabolic steroid primarily used by veterinarian’s on animals. In response to followups responses written by those who read Silva’s statement, Davis maintained Silva’s innocence but was unsure why the test came out positive.

“My friends, Antonio is one of the hardest working, most serious athletes I know,” wrote Davis. “He also is a man that holds high his principles. We don't know at this point how he tested positive for a horse steroid, but what we do know is that he doesn’t make use of these kind of products. However, we will find out or die trying. We are always reading about guys getting caught and declaring (their) innocence, and it is always met with a degree of skepticism, but the (truth) is that career hurting mistakes are being made and it is high time the we find out how and why they happen. We are extremely sure of ourselves in this matter and are willing to go to the very gates of hell to prove that we are being wronged. Hopefully, this will not only clear Antonio, but also help clear other people that have had the same thing happen to them.”

From

[ArmyofDarkness]

THIS REALLY BLOWS

WHY? SILVA IS BETTER THAN THAT I THOUGHT

[keithlewis]

ELITEXC’S JEREMY LAPPEN COMMENTS
ON CSAC RULING TO SUSPEND ANTONIO SILVA


LOS ANGELES (Aug. 21, 2008) – The California State Athletic Commission announced Thursday morning it had suspended Antonio Silva for 12 months and fined him $2,500 for testing positive for the banned anabolic substance Boldenone after a fight on July 26 in Stockton.

Shortly thereafter, Silva’s co-manager Alex Davis issued a statement claiming not only that his fighter was clean but that he had no idea how Silva could have tested positive.


Here is what Jeremy Lappen, Head of EliteXC Fight Operations, had to say in response to Thursday’s events:

“We respect the California commission and the job they do. We always enjoy working with them and work very well together. The illegal use of steroids is a problem in all major sports, including mixed martial arts. We certainly do not condone the use of steroids.

“But we also support, trust and have confidence in our fighter, Antonio Silva, who has denied ever taken any illegal substance, including steroids, and is prepared to challenge the results of the California Commission.

“So until all the facts are known and a final decision is rendered, EliteXC will reserve making any further comments at this time.’’