MMA Media has been totally dominated by the Nick Diaz suspension hearing since a surprisingly harsh penalty was handed down to one of the UFC's most popular fighters on Monday night.
The NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) handed Diaz a five year suspension from MMA due to his third failed drug test, but as marijuana was the drug in question, the penalty is no doubt excessive when you consider that testing positive for performance enhancing drugs have recently resulted in a one-year ban in the case of Anderson Silva.
Many are very unhappy with this ruling, and UFC commentator Joe Rogan didn't hold back when he took to twitter to share his views on the subject:
NSAC suspending Nick Diaz for 5 years for pot is an irresponsible abuse of power. It's callous, idiotic and sickening.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 15, 2015
Unless there's scientific proof that marijuana is a performance enhancing drug that gives an unfair advantage it should not be restricted.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 15, 2015
His opinion is what the vast majority of fight fans feel, and although many have called upon Dana White to issue a statement, the UFC president has stated that there is little point in that happening:
@RissyCrozay what I think isn't important. I have no say in the matter. They don't give a shit what I think. People who know MMA know that
— Dana White (@danawhite) September 15, 2015
Nick Diaz's popularity is largely based on his Devil-may-care attitude both inside and outside of the Octagon, and although he certainly has something to answer for himself after failing a drugs test for the third time, the suspension that he has received is extremely harsh, and seems to be for no reason other than the NSAC's dislike of him and his persona.
