August 11, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Joe Rogan (left) interviews Jake Shields (right) after he defeated Ed Herman (not pictured) during UFC 150 at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
UFC middleweight Jake Shields has been suspended six months by the Colorado Boxing Commission following a positive drug test for banned substances following his decision victory over Ed Herman at UFC 150.
Shields’ management group, Authentic Sports Management, sent out a press release to confirm the positive test and suspension. Shields has also released a statement of his own.
“To my friends, fans and the UFC,
Prior to my professional bout at UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado, I used a substance prohibited by Colorado Boxing Commission rules.
This was a mistake that I fully regret. I have shared this issue with my family and the UFC and I have apologized to them and now I also apologize to you, the fans. I promise this will never occur again in my fighting career.
I accept the Boxing Commission’s decision for a six-month suspension, which will expire in February. I ask that you accept my apology. I will be back fighting soon, and hope that the fans of MMA will support me until that time.”
Shields become the second fighter from Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu to be on the sidelines until February. UFC welterweight contender Nick Diaz is facing a one-year suspension after testing positive for marijuana following his UFC 143 loss to interim champion Carlos Condit.
Diaz and Shields will see their suspensions expire within a week of each other.
