N. Diaz (photo) is suspended for five years and received a cash fine. Photo: Disclosure
Immediately after being announced, the Nevada Athletic Commission's punishment of five years and nearly R$600 for the use of marijuana to Nick Diaz triggered a series of reactions among the main MMA athletes on the planet. More than that, the cause became a boycott of fights in Las Vegas, starting with the Olympic champion Henry Cejudo, and which has now gained two more supporters: the promising aljamain sterling and bantamweight Leslie Smith.
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“I support this cause. Fighters should come together and show the Nevada Athletic Commission that they need to be impartial and conduct their processes fairly. Maybe the Nick Diaz wouldn't do the same for me, I don't know. But if people did this kind of thing more often, the world would be a better place,” Sterling wrote on his official Facebook profile. Twitter.
Leslie Smith, who stayed famous after suffering a serious cut on her ear during UFC 180 Last year, he used his profile on the sports social network “Sqor” to demonstrate his support for the cause. “I am declaring and will stand alongside my fellow fighters Nick Diaz e Henry Cejudo, and refuse to fight in Nevada while the draconian and arbitrary punishment against Nick is in effect,” he wrote.
Furthermore, Leslie took advantage of the situation to launch an invitation to her MMA colleagues and propose the creation of a body to represent the athletes' interests. “This situation is just the latest example that demonstrates the need for MMA fighters to come together. To influence our sport and have our voices heard by speaking together as an association of mixed martial arts athletes,” she stated.
To date, despite the commotion generated by the punishment, the Nevada Athletic Commission has not publicly spoken out suggesting any type of intention to review the sanction. About that, Nick Diaz and their lawyers promise to even resort to common justice.
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