Sean O’Malley Announces Failed USADA Test, Exit from UFC 229 Bout
UFC 229 is now available on Amazon Prime.
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In the past, the UFC or USADA would have announced O’Malley’s anti-doping violation, but a recent change in policy means that failed drug tests won’t be revealed until the case is resolved. That revision came about because approximately one third of adjudicated cases were eventually found to be a result of non-intentional use of a banned substance.
O’Malley’s full statement is as follows:
Hey guys, Sugar Show here…I want to be the first to let you know about what’s going on. As many of you may have seen, the UFC announced this weekend that they are no longer announcing potential violations of the USADA program, because of the high number of unintentional use cases under the program, and are instead waiting until the end.
I find myself caught up in one of these exact cases right now. Even though under the new policy, my case would not be public right now, I feel it’s important to be upfront and honest with my fans about why I’m not fighting next weekend.
I’ve been working with Jeff Novitzky at UFC and I believe that we have already identified a dietary supplement that would have caused this. WE’ve sent remaining samples from the bottle I took to the USADA lab and as well as a full sealed bottle. I’m told that the testing of these supplements can take as long as 30 days.
I will continue to update you all about the findings, but I fully expect the results will be what I already know, that I did nothing on purpose.
For everyone that follows me and was excited for my fight I’m truly sorry. It hurts a lot not being able to get out there and do what I love on the biggest stage.
I have no intention of cheating and am fully confident that the results of this case will show that. I love my fans and I hope the impact on my career is minimal and I’m back to fighting soon.
O’Malley was slated to face Jose Alberto Quinonez at UFC 229 on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It is unclear if the promotion will seek a replacement foe for Quinonez on such short notice. O’Malley is undefeated in 10 professional bouts, including triumphs over Andre Soukhamthath and Terrion Ware under the UFC banner.
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