WWE News: USADA executive addresses Brock Lesnar's steroid test failure
What’s the story?
In an interview with MMA Fighting, USADA (The United States Anti Doping Agency) CEO Travis Tygart addressed Brock Lesnar’s steroid test failure, and the implications such incidents have in the sport of MMA and the UFC organization in particular.
Tygart asserted that the entire situation surrounding MMA athletes testing positive for steroids after the fight is unfortunate. He added that USADA uses the most advanced testing systems, however, at the end of the day, no system is perfect.
In case you didn’t know…
Brock Lesnar returned to the sport of MMA for a one-off fight last year after a lengthy hiatus.
Lesnar defeated MMA and kickboxing legend Mark Hunt by Unanimous Decision at UFC 200, but the Beast’s win was later overturned to a No-Contest as he tested positive for banned PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs).
The heart of the matter
Nevertheless, Brock Lesnar and his team subsequently attributed the presence of the banned substance in his body to asthma medication—something that has since been disputed by USADA. Resultantly, Lesnar’s MMA status hangs in the balance till date.
USADA CEO Travis Tygart explained that no one could possibly be privy to each and every steroid cheat in the world, and USADA—the premier drug testing organization in sports today—utilizes fair methods of testing athletes; said methods being slow but accurate.
Furthermore, Tygart alluded that if USADA uses current testing methods, the results may be faulty, and innocent, clean athletes may be wrongly accused of using steroids. Industry experts are now emphasizing that although USADA’s tests of Lesnar came out way after the fight took place, the agency isn’t at fault; as this is merely part of the modern-day drug testing system.
Besides, one ought to note that although Lesnar has since announced his retirement from MMA, his case with USADA is still very much alive and kicking.
What’s next?
Brock Lesnar presently competes for the WWE’s RAW brand.
WWE Superstar Randy Orton had once famously taken a swipe at Lesnar’s alleged steroid usage; however, the PED use allegations haven’t adversely affected the Beast Incarnate’s WWE career yet.
Author’s take
For those unaware, several MMA legends such as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva and Cris Cyborg have been busted for PED use—most cases already being proven against the accused.
Nevertheless, given Lesnar’s freaky athleticism and the fact that he’s previously suffered from a life-threatening illness such as diverticulitis, it’s safe to assume that he wouldn’t indulge in steroid usage. Diverticulitis is no joke, and one doesn’t simply mess around with steroids with a history of the illness.
Here’s hoping Brock Lesnar and USADA eventually settle their long-running dispute.
Send us news tips at fightclub@sportskeeda.com