The former UFC heavyweight Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett was working on his final training sessions as he he prepared to face Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction ‘Trilogy’. However, the California State Athletic Commission announced earlier this week that Barnett would not be able to participate in the August 1st Affliction ‘Trilogy’ event after testing positive for steroids.
This wasn’t the first time Barnett had issues with positive test results. When Barnett defeated Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title back in 2002, his belt was immediately stripped by the Nevada State Athletic commission after testing positive for three different anabolic agents. It seems like deja vu because Barnett has denied any use of steroids once again, but we’ll just have to wait and see what kind of information he and his representative can find in order to defend his case.
Snip from Josh Barnett himself:
“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.”
