Georges St-Pierre has always been an advocate of enhanced drug testing measures in the MMA industry in the last few years, much more when he retired from fighting. However, even though this is the case and even though he had a not-so-pleasant encounter with Nick Diaz, the retired UFC welterweight champ knows an unfair verdict when sees one. And in this case, St-Pierre admitted that he thinks the five year suspension given to Nick Diaz seems to be very questionable.
During a recent interview with RDS, which was also reported by MMA Fighting, St-Pierre obviously had a lot of thoughts about the current issue.
“Personally, I think five years is too much. Especially when you think about Anderson Silva and other guys who were doping and received a lighter suspension compared to [Diaz]. I think they wanted to make an example out of him to send a message because he’s a colorful character who talks a lot and makes a lot of noise. They wanted to make an example out of him like they did in the Olympics with Marion Jones, for example. Unfortunately, it fell on him, but I think everyone is entitled to a second chance,” he said.
As what other fighters said, St-Pierre said that he feels those athletes who were caught using marijuana, which is known to have actual medicinal effects, should receive a different verdict compared to those who failed the drug tests due to steroids and other banned substances. He also emphasized that there is no more bad blood between him and Diaz. In fact, St-Pierre wished mixed martial arts champ Diaz well and hoped to see him return to the octagon real soon.
“Yes, [marijuana is] a drug, but I think there should be different penalties for certain products competitors use, because this makes no sense. Marijuana could help someone that suffers from anxiety, but it won’t make you stronger or more powerful. I don’t think it should be judged upon so severely. Nick is a very charismatic guy. A lot of people talk about him. But he isn’t someone I hate. I hold no ill will towards him. Several things were said before our fight, but it was purely from a sporting perspective. I didn’t take any of it personally,” St-Pierre said.
“We need a guy like him in this sport and I hope he will return soon. If I can help him in one [way] or another, without embarrassing me, it would be a pleasure for me to do. I like him a lot and I wish him all the best,” he added.