BOTH Sherk AND Franca test positive!

**HANKtheTANK** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:39pm

Source on Franca

This statement was provided to MMAWeekly on behalf of Hermes Franca to address the positive drug test as found by the California State Athletic Commission after his bout with Sean Sherk at UFC 73:

In the next few days, the results from the California Commission will be released. The tests will show that I had a "banned substance" in my system.

I would like to apologize to my fans, the UFC, my students and family. I offer only an explanation and not an excuse. I made a decision during a difficult time in my training for the fight that I regret.

About 8 weeks out from the fight, I badly injured my ankle during a training session. For the following week I had rested it, rehabbed it and tried to work around the injury. It was obvious that I could not train as required.

I contacted the UFC and explained my injury and how I could not possibly train to the level I thought I would need in order to be properly prepared for my fight. I asked the UFC if we could push the fight out to the following UFC with the chance that it could happen. They explained that they could not do that and that the card had been set and it isnt as easy as just moving around a fight. I totally understood their position. They asked me to keep them informed should I not be able to fight.

I had not fought for 5 months. Fighting is literally how I put food on my wife and childs table and how I pay my bills. As a fighter though, even at this level, I live a simple life and I literally live from fight to fight. Not getting a paycheck for another few months and losing my chance to fight Sean for the title was overpowering. Fighting is the life I chose and I love it.

As a lightweight fighter, our purses are comparatively
small. The public sees the payouts. As lightweights, we do not pull down the money anything near the bigger guys. Its just the way it is. I think Sean fought and defended his title for less than $30,000. Its no ones fault, its just the market. I love the sport, I love the people in the
sport.

At this point I was desperate and needed anything I could to get my injury as close to healing as possible and be able to recover from the daily training regimen I was going through. I made the shortsighted choice to hopefully accelerate the healing process and allow me to keep training. Under the pressure of literally not being able to pay next months bills I made a choice. I had to fight and did whatever I could to do so.

I hope my fans, students, the UFC and the public accept my
sincere apology. Whatever punishment is dictated by the California Athletic Commission I will understand. I would like to get through this very difficult time and the times ahead and get back to fighting. All the best to my fans and much thanks to my family and friends that continue to support me during these times.

Hermes Franca

**Franca tested positive to Drostanolone. He has been fined $2500 and suspended through his licensing year which is July 5, 2008.

Source for Sherk

Sean Sherk, the reigning UFC World Lightweight Champion, who last competed on July 7, 2007 in Sacramento, has tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite. He has been fined $2,500. His suspension period runs from the conclusion of his bout on July 7, 2007 through the remainder of his licensing year which is June 26, 2008. Furthermore, he has been assessed an additional 10 days in order to fulfill the terms of his suspension (365 total days). The additional days will be added at the beginning of his next licensing year when he reapplies.

Normal levels of Nandrolone range from 2 ng/mL (average person) to 6 ng/mL (athlete engaged in rigorous activity). Mr. Sherk's reported level certified by the Director of Science and Technology from the laboratory that conducted the tests was 12 ng/mL. Both the "A" sample and "B" sample were tested and confirmed as positive.

I think sherks levels may be appealed. There was talk of studies that show nandrolone can be elevated by various ways? intense training or even over the counter supplements? both of which sherk does.....i dunno, the positive test is nowhere through the roof like Gracies'.

guess there's not gonna be a BJ Penn vs Sean Sherk =(

**spirez** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:46pm

This is crazy...

Penn Vs who for the title if his appeal fails?

**T3hJudoChop** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:47pm

sherk may not even be champ for much longer.

**T3hJudoChop** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:47pm

Originally Posted by spirez

This is crazy...

Penn Vs who for the title if his appeal fails?

aoki? gomi?

I can dream, can't I?

**HANKtheTANK** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:50pm

i won't jump the gun on this yet.
sherk 'does' train like an animal, so i wanna wait til i hear his statement

at least we know franca's side. injury related, and he admits to it

so its premature to assume penn vs sherk is off already, maybe sherk appeals and wins....only time will tell

**HANKtheTANK** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:51pm

gomi is likely going to Hero's

he was in attendance for the latest hero's.....damn and i watched it too...they said they were gonna have a huge announcement, but i probably fell asleep during that part....but gomi staying in japan is the "safe" move for him, if indeed he is trying to protect his reputation as a pride champ at this point

**Shinkengata** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:55pm

This sucks. I'm a huge Sherk fan. I think his rediculously intense workouts and the 22 different supplements he takes 3 times a day could have provided the elevated reading.

I hardly think Sherk would need roids.

**T3hJudoChop** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 1:56pm

Originally Posted by HANKtheTANK

gomi is likely going to Hero's

isn't he under contract with Pride still? Or is he one of those fight-by-fight deals. Although I would be disappointed to see Gomi head to Hero's, at least we might end up seeing a Gomi/Kid matchup.