madjack
22-11-2002, 05:00 AM
Boxer banned for nine months
From correspondents in Las Vegas
November 21, 2002
FERNANDO VARGAS has been suspended for nine months and fined $US100,000 ($179,340) by Nevada boxing officials for testing positive for steroids after losing his September 14 title fight to Oscar De La Hoya.
The suspension is retroactive to the fight, meaning Vargas cannot fight again until June 15.
The penalties came after Vargas told the Nevada Athletic Commission that he took full responsibility for the positive test even though he had no idea he ever used the steroids.
Commissioners seemed to agree Vargas didn't knowingly take the steroid stanozol, the same drug that cost sprinter Ben Johnson his gold medal and world record in the 100 metres at the 1988 Olympics.
But they said he needed to be penalised for the test and that other boxers needed to know they will be dealt with harshly if they use steroids.
"We like Mr Vargas but we feel this is the right thing to do," said commission chairman Luther Mack said.
Vargas, who lost on an 11th-round knockout to De La Hoya, threw himself at the mercy of the commission, saying he would never knowingly use steroids.
"I don't place blame on anyone except myself," he said. "At the end of the day I'm the captain of my ship."
Mike Tyson, who has had his own share of dealings with the commission, sat in on the hearing to give moral support to Vargas. The two fighters share the same manager.
Vargas' lawyer had argued for a six-month suspension, arguing that Vargas would lose a planned April fight because of the nine month penalty.
From correspondents in Las Vegas
November 21, 2002
FERNANDO VARGAS has been suspended for nine months and fined $US100,000 ($179,340) by Nevada boxing officials for testing positive for steroids after losing his September 14 title fight to Oscar De La Hoya.
The suspension is retroactive to the fight, meaning Vargas cannot fight again until June 15.
The penalties came after Vargas told the Nevada Athletic Commission that he took full responsibility for the positive test even though he had no idea he ever used the steroids.
Commissioners seemed to agree Vargas didn't knowingly take the steroid stanozol, the same drug that cost sprinter Ben Johnson his gold medal and world record in the 100 metres at the 1988 Olympics.
But they said he needed to be penalised for the test and that other boxers needed to know they will be dealt with harshly if they use steroids.
"We like Mr Vargas but we feel this is the right thing to do," said commission chairman Luther Mack said.
Vargas, who lost on an 11th-round knockout to De La Hoya, threw himself at the mercy of the commission, saying he would never knowingly use steroids.
"I don't place blame on anyone except myself," he said. "At the end of the day I'm the captain of my ship."
Mike Tyson, who has had his own share of dealings with the commission, sat in on the hearing to give moral support to Vargas. The two fighters share the same manager.
Vargas' lawyer had argued for a six-month suspension, arguing that Vargas would lose a planned April fight because of the nine month penalty.