White issues statement on Silva, Spider continues on TUF Brazil 4

Dana White has issued a statement on Anderson Silva and the findings that he tested positive for two types of performance enhancing drugs.  White indicated that despite the findings, Silva will continue his role as coach of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil while allowing “due process” by the commission.  Silva denies using the banned substances.

Via UFC web site:

“Anderson Silva has been one of the greatest athletes this sport has ever seen. He has had a long and distinguished career in mixed martial arts. In his nine years with the UFC, Anderson has never tested positive for a banned substance. In light of this, we want to ensure that Anderson gets his due process and we will support him during this time. While this process plays out, Anderson will continue in his role as coach of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil. Of course we will continue to monitor the actions of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“We fully support the Commission’s out-of-competition drug testing program, which we have financed when requested over the past two years. Testing of this nature is important to help keep the sport clean. The director at the laboratory in Salt Lake City has now explained the timing of Anderson’s test results and why the Commission and the UFC did not receive the results until February 3, after the fight.

“Once all the results have been made public and the Nevada State Athletic Commission has rendered its decision, we will respect the process and move forward accordingly.”

Silva issued his own statement in which he denies taking any performance enhancing drugs.

Payout Perspective:

It’s a difficult situation that the UFC is in with respect to Silva.  For how much an ambassador he has been for this sport, the findings are disappointing and should mean that he is foreclosed from being a coach on TUF Brazil.  However, since Silva denies the use, it appears that White is giving him the benefit of the doubt.  Certainly, there is some argument that if there is a dispute about the test that Silva is afforded his appeal process.  Still, allowing Silva to continue on the show appears bad and only to garner some ratings from this.  We will see if White removes Silva if he is suspended at the NSAC commission hearing on February 17^th.