Cris “Cyborg” Justino is requesting a retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption according to an ESPN report. Justino’s out-of-competition drug test was flagged by USADA this past December.
Justino tested positive for the banned substance spironolactone although she claims that a doctor had prescribed it to her. Thus, the reason for the retroactive TUE.
According to the UFC Anti-Doping Program:
USADA will consider late filed or applications for retroactive TUEs; however, the Athlete does so at his or her own risk as USADA makes no guarantee regarding the processing of a TUE under such circumstances. Furthermore, in such instances, the Athlete may be charged up to the full cost for processing the TUE application where such filing, in the determination of USADA, is not attributed to factors outside the Athlete’s control.
Justino’s attorney is Howard Jacobs. He was the attorney that represented Jon Jones in his USADA appeal and subsequent arbitration. Jacobs also represented Brock Lesnar. USADA has requested additional information for Justino’s condition which required the prescribed banned substance.
Payout Perspective:
As we know, the new women’s division is specifically for Cyborg and one would think that she will be granted this retroactive TUE despite the “at his or her own risk” language from USADA. It really makes no difference whether or not the “full cost” for processing the TUE application is assessed to Cyborg as she is much more important to the organization than the simple cost of an application.
This does not pass the smell test. The drug she supposedly needed just happens to be the drug females who use steroids take to lessen the masculine side effects of the steroids. I understand the UFC needs her and they pay USADA so she will get what I call a “Mayweather TUE”.
Cyborg still claims she never knowingly took steroids and that someone gave her something to help her lose weight. She does not look like a normal woman, and will destroy DeRandmie.
The thing about her career is she has not really fought women who were her size, most have been bantamweights.
Truth be told is Cyborg should be banned by every sanctioning body. She should be banned from the sport. She is a disgrace and cheats every time she fights.