Josh Barnett May Have Screwed The Pooch Testing Positive Before Main Event

Posted by JMusk on Jul 24, 2009 in Fight News | 0 comments

As we all know by now, with just over a week away from his fight with Fedor, Josh Barnett has apparently tested positive for an illegal substance and has not received his California license to fight in the event. Is it true?

Who will replace him?  

Bill Douglas, the California State Athletic Commission’s assistant executive officer, released an official statement regarding Barnett’s test:
“It was just a random selection…and in some cases if there’s prior history, that is also a flag…it allows us that opportunity to test that individual and require a clean test prior to renewal of a license…The inspector that observed this particular test is one of our drug testing experts in terms of the correction procedure, and works on many events of this nature, and oversees a lot of the drug testing that’s performed by our staff.” ”In this particular case, this was a hands-on test that he performed himself…And in terms of the lab itself, we have been using the same lab that tests the NFL and the International Olympic Games, as recently as the last Games, they tested every sample ever took there. They test the NCAA for all the sports, all minor league baseball. It’s a very, very tough lab to dispute—the best of them all. So it was almost a trial, so to speak, to see what the process was going to be like moving forward so we can learn from this. And it just so happens that the first one we’ve ever done here in California produced a result. First one ever. I mean, right out of the gate.” They insist Barnett tested positive, for which we do not know, and that it was a random test. They also have a second sample that they are testing to see if the results from the first sample are consistent.

No fines or suspensions have been charged yet, so I guess Barnett is still not proven guilty. With the main event in danger of being scratched, Tom Atencio has been looking for a replacement and released these official statements in a press conference: “As you obviously can imagine, this has been a complete surprise to us. When we spoke to the California Athletic Commission, this was not something we were prepared for. But it’s our understanding that Josh is taking further measures to validate the results of the test. And if the results stand, then we are deeply disappointed. Having said that, we are very confident in getting a worthy opponent (for Fedor).”

Who will that opponent be? “I’ve got three people who I’m speaking with. Until I have a contract in hand—negotiations are in place—but until I have a contract finalized and it’s done, I’m just not going to say anything. It just doesn’t make sense for me to get anybody’s hopes up.” Besides the fact they have no definite replacement, we still don’t know if Barnett is even guilty.

Josh Barnett has finally released a statement on the situation: 

“Many of you are wondering what’s happening. What I can say is that when applying for my license, the CSAC asked for me to submit a urine sample for testing prior to granting my license as they do with everyone, I believe. It was not a random test. I had no reason to believe there would be any issues and went in to submit my sample at the earliest possible opportunity on June 25th. I never once thought there would be a problem.” ”My representatives and I are working to gather as much info as possible and handle this situation as best as we can. I am embarrassed and want for nothing more than to resolve this issue and receive a license from the State of California as I have done many times already and for other states as well. I am very thankful for all the great family, friends and fans that still support me.” I guess we can only wait until the results of the second sample come in.

Pretty inconvenient with the event supposed to be taking place next Saturday, August 1st. Even Fedor has released a statement about the situation: “I feel disappointed about this situation, but I will fight anyone who Affliction puts in front of me. I know a lot of fans waited for this fight to happen and I am sorry for them. I can’t do much about it now but I am in good shape, my training has been good and continues to go well.” 

Now there have been a number of fighters that have been up for consideration. Let’s take a look at the options:

1. Vitor Belfort
Even though he fights at middleweight now, he can still make the 215lb deadline for heavyweight. Since Fedor fights at 230-235lbs, weight would not be an overwhelming advantage. Belfort has apparently made a verbal commitment to step in, but no official contract has been made.

2. Brett Rogers or Fabricio Werdum
Both of these current Strikeforce heavyweights have been considered an acceptable replacement. Rogers just destroyed Arlovski and Werdum is now free because Overeem pulled out of the title fight Aug 15th with an injury. Regardless of the rumors, Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz released a statement that confirmed neither of these guys will be filling in:
“It’s safe to say neither Fabricio or Brett will be fighting on Aug. 1. The plan is still for Fabricio to fight on Aug. 15, and we hope to have an opponent named soon. As for Brett, nothing is finalized, but he won’t be fighting on Aug. 1.” Looks like it’s more likely Rogers vs Werdum will be happening for an interim heavyweight belt on Aug. 15th than either of these guys stepping in against Fedor.

3. Jeff Monson
This former UFC heavyweight contender is riding a seven-fight win streak and may be the best true heavyweight option for a replacement. He even released his own statement:
“I’m the guy to beat Fedor. He’s a great fighter. It’s a perfect match-up. He’s the guy I’m destined to fight. I want to be the guy to beat him. I’d definitely love to be carried off afterward…after I submit him. My goal is to be the best in the world, even if it’s for one fight.”

Other names that have been thrown out there are Ricardo Arona, Renalto Sobral (very unlikely because he has already fought Fedor and his fight with Mousasi is a big draw for the event by itself), and Bobby Lashley.

The latest timetable from Affliction’s Tom Atencio: “Fedor’s replacement opponent will be announced on Friday.”

I guess we can only wait and see.

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