Barnett’s Attempt to Secure License Delayed

The long-running saga of Josh Barnett’s suspended license in California was not resolved Thursday, as an apparent disconnect between the heavyweight and the state’s athletic commission left both parties unable to proceed with what was supposed to be an application for re-licensing the veteran heavyweight.

After testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs as part of a random drug test administered in July 2009, Barnett’s test scuttled the scheduled Affliction “Trilogy” event, scheduled for Aug. 1 of that year. The cancellation of his main event bout with Fedor Emelianenko was followed by a suspension of his license by the California State Athletic Commission. That suspension has left him unable to compete in the States, though the former UFC champ did fight March 22 in Japan.

In September, Strikeforce announced that they’d signed Barnett; though at the time he still hadn’t obtained a license in California. Since commissions generally recognize suspensions of other states, his re-licensing effort was integral to getting him active again in the U.S.

Since the suspension was issued from the July 2009 positive test (Barnett also tested positive in 2002 after defeating Randy Couture in a UFC title bout, prompting his departure from that promotion and the UFC stripping him of his heavyweight belt), a hearing to assess his re-licensing has been postponed several times. And after today, it’s apparent that the fighter will still have some way to go to get licensed again in California, and in the U.S. due to various state commissions honoring one anothers’ decisions on whether fighters can compete in various jurisdictions.

While appearing before the commission, Barnett got off to a rocky start when informed that Alfredo Terrazas, the state’s assistant Attorney General, would be there to cross-examine him in his attempt at re-licensing.

“I’m a little caught off-guard by this,” said Barnett. “I feel slightly unprepared, and didn’t bring counsel. That’s a very large point that was not brought to my attention.”

“You obviously thought this was a rubber-stamp (process for renewal),” said commissioner Eugene Hernandez.

“I didn’t think it was that,” replied Barnett.

George Dodd, CSAC executive director, clarified that Barnett would benefit from having legal counsel available.

“Me and Mr. Barnett did have a conversation but we never probably mentioned an attorney for us would be here,” said Dodd. “But we (informed) him he would need any person there who could help him.”

Barnett’s hearing concluded with no decision on his re-licensing. Afterward, Dodd told media that the commission’s next hearing is Feb. 4 in Los Angeles, where it would be up to Barnett to appear and supply evidence that he should be re-licensed. He added that Barnett did submit clean test results two weeks ago as part of the process, but that more demonstrable action would be required.

“Josh will have to give us notice that he’ll want to appear for reinstatement,” said Dodd.

Other elements that could help Barnett obtain a license would include evidence that he’s done public advocacy against steroid use, Dodd added.