UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk had his sentence reduced by the California Athletic Commission. After defending his belt on July 07 against Brazilian Hermes França, Sherk was suspended for a year and fined $2,500 for testing positive. for Nandrolone.
This Tuesday the commission, after listening to the defense and deliberating, decided to reduce the sentence imposed on the athlete from one year to just 6 months and keep the fine at the same value.
An initial motion to maintain the suspension was denied. The second motion, to reduce the suspension initially failed, as there was a 3-3 tie. But, after debating the issue and submitting the matter again to a vote, it was approved by 4-2.
“You don't know what will happen until the day comes, but I'm at peace since we have a lot of proof of my innocence,” Sherk said days before his new trial.
Based on the process he said “They don't really have rules and regulations that they have to follow. All I want is a fair chance to prove my innocence. I just want an opportunity to present the facts we have, which prove my innocence and demonstrate that I did not in fact use Nandrolone.”
Despite everything, Sherk was not satisfied with the decision. After the trial he said “I am not happy with the new sentence (of having the sentence reduced by half and having the fine maintained)”. “This isn’t over yet”, indicating that he will possibly still seek further legal action through his lawyers.
As things stand, Sherk will be able to return to the ring in early January.
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