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According to Steve Kim today, Andre Ward has refused to participate in the VADA testing.
Steve Kim @stevemaxboxing https://twitter.com/stevemaxboxing
Im told Edwin Rodriguez began his VADA testing today, as for Andre Ward, well, he refused to participate.... #boxing
Props to Edwin Rodriguez - he's going through with the VADA testing, whether Ward participates or not.
Well...I can't really say Ward juices since he doesn't KO anyone really but outboxes them. I'm just rather surprised is all.
Before the fight was signed, Ward verbally agreed to PED testing. But now he's going back on his word:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxOIFfFV7YY
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freedom
Would've been a more effective interview if someone had told those people in the back to STFU.
I dont blame Ward. The media establishment is starting to get a little stupid now. They dont even talk about the topic for 30 years and now since Manny/Floyd, any athlete for any fight that does not agree to additional testing is guilty. What made the Floyd/Manny circus news worthy in that regard was the fact that it could have been a 100 million dollar fight after all was said and done. Wards making a statement whether he knows it or not. The boxing establishment does not really want to catch the cheaters. If it did a newer designed testing regiment would have been implemented from the ground up long ago.It would be enforced by commissions and the boxing orgs. Fact of the matter is, they dont want testing programs that might actually catch people. This window dressing they use in an attempt to show steps are being made does not fool me.
Someone is trying to spin things;) Where in the video did he say he agreed to VADA testing before the fight was signed? In fact, at the press conference AFTER the fight was signed Rodriguez called Ward out for VADA testing. Ward later replied to Rodriguez that he didn't say a single thing about PED testing during the entire negotiations and then when he got in the press conference he all of a sudden brings up PED testing and directs it at Ward as if he was hinting or insinuating something. Watch the conference it was intended to offend Ward which I think it did.Quote:
Originally Posted by Freedom
There should be one, and only one, answer by boxers to questions about testing:
"Bring it."
Of course, as long as the other guy's doing it also.
If he's making a stand for a purpose I support him. The commissions should be required to hire independent agencies to perform these tasks. It shouldn't be on the fighters to ensure a level playing field.
If he's not testing as a f you to the opponent I support him on that too. If you want testing bring it up in negotiations not in front of the media.
If he's ducking the tests because he's dirty may Satan rape SOG for eternity
i'm certain andre ward has done a lot of different steroids and drugs while recovering and rehabilitating after his injuries and surgery... maybe he's scared to stop using or maybe he knows he didn't stop in time for them to have cleared out of his system.
Leap much my friend? If he's on an injury regiment of roids then all involved are well aware of it. Unlike Lamont's half assed crew.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
my feet are flat on the ground my friend. steroid use is common in post injury and surgery recovery and rehabilitation.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuitLeap much my friend? If he's on an injury regiment of roids then all involved are well aware of it. Unlike Lamont's half assed crew.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
i'm hypothesizing possible reasons for why he would refuse voluntary testing after saying he would submit himself to it.
He was invloved with Conte a few years back too but after he was in trouble.
Just because hes not inocking anyone out doesnt mean hes not cheating. Hes got shit stamina and maybe trying to counter that.
http://www.badlefthook.com/2009/12/4...-action-helped
Like Ward needed anymore doubters.
Seriously, you're p4p number 2 and almost everyone hates you.. Just shut your boring ass mouth and take the tests.
He's probably juiced to stay sharp during his injury.
the problem is that this testing isnt really official so no fighter has to do it unless you state in your contract you have to. maybe he just doesnt want to be bothered. i mean, he has a family that im sure he wants to spend time with and he probably doesnt want people keep showing up unannounced to test him. so in that regard, whatever.
i do think that there needs to be madatory testing though in this day and age because of all the problems.
Are the only people that juice those that knock people out?Quote:
Originally Posted by DavilaJones
Has Ward said anything about testing or not testing since this "tempest in a tea cup" started?
To be fair, LIKE I KNOW WE ALL WANT TO BE, shouldn't we hear what he has to say before we throw him in the dungeon.
I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that the tested athlete has to pay for the additional VADA testing, which is a decent amount of money.
If that's true, I can see why a guy who fights clean would say "fuck that, why should I have to pay out of pocket to prove I'm not on steroids." Because in reality it's not the athlete's job to prove he's clean, it's the responsibility of the athletic boards to catch cheaters.
But if Ward promised to take VADA testing, then for sure he should live up to his agreement.
BTW, I love the fact that people are doubting he uses PED's because he's not a big knockout puncher. It shows the general ignorance fans have of PED's and their MANY applications.
I disagree 100%. Take the damn test. Since the Pacquiao/Mayweather situation, if you are a fighter getting paid HBO money to fight, there are no excuses for not taking the test. In a perfect world, the commissions and the boxing organizations would make strict drug testing mandatory for all boxers, but we're not in a perfect world. If you are clean, prove it, be the example for clean competition, not the other way around. So far, Donaire is the only competitor I'm aware of that is on 24/7/365 testing. He shouldn't be the only one. Marquez should have taken the tests. Ward should take the tests. That's it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
@ruthless rocco, wasn't that Braun's excuse? Someone should ask Ward what drugs he took during his recovery from injury.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
A little hasty fellas. He might be using for injury rehab and he could also test in the allowable levels for that. That is why Lamont got his belt back. Him refusing testing does not mean therefore that he would test over those limits. This thread is a giant rush to judgement. Seems a slippery slope to me without a demand via rule changes. I bet Provo and Alvarado did not use VADA so by the standards on display here they must both be cheats.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratI disagree 100%. Take the damn test. Since the Pacquiao/Mayweather situation, if you are a fighter getting paid HBO money to fight, there are no excuses for not taking the test. In a perfect world, the commissions and the boxing organizations would make strict drug testing mandatory for all boxers, but we're not in a perfect world. If you are clean, prove it, be the example for clean competition, not the other way around. So far, Donaire is the only competitor I'm aware of that is on 24/7/365 testing. He shouldn't be the only one. Marquez should have taken the tests. Ward should take the tests. That's it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Disagreement is allowed. Look if boxers are now to be expected to extra testing then make it a damn law or rule or whatever and the Organizations, Commissions and broadcasters who pimp them can pay for the tests. Either everyone does it or forget it. You don't start singling out certain fighters or fights, you do a full court press. They have random drug tests in many workplaces. You mean to tell me these people cant figure out a way to fund a program? Of course they could but they don't want to. They would lose to many highlight reels and probably half of the stars. I don't like Ward but I doubt he cheats. He seems like one of these straighter then straight guys that was raised by Ozzie and Harriet.
@ruthless rocco, wasn't that Braun's excuse? Someone should ask Ward what drugs he took during his recovery from injury.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
Refusing testing on its own should invoke a ban.
If an athlete misses a test they get instantly banned like Christine Ohurugu who was given honours by the queen and everyone seems to love even though shes a cheating little bitch.
Make a rule and not an offer. Real simple. Its not rocket science.
I'm not accusing Ward of anything. Innocent until proven guilty. Yet, with the prevalence of PEDs in sports today, refusing to take a test is suspicious. There's no two ways about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuitA little hasty fellas. He might be using for injury rehab and he could also test in the allowable levels for that. That is why Lamont got his belt back. Him refusing testing does not mean therefore that he would test over those limits. This thread is a giant rush to judgement. Seems a slippery slope to me without a demand via rule changes. I bet Provo and Alvarado did not use VADA so by the standards on display here they must both be cheats.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratI disagree 100%. Take the damn test. Since the Pacquiao/Mayweather situation, if you are a fighter getting paid HBO money to fight, there are no excuses for not taking the test. In a perfect world, the commissions and the boxing organizations would make strict drug testing mandatory for all boxers, but we're not in a perfect world. If you are clean, prove it, be the example for clean competition, not the other way around. So far, Donaire is the only competitor I'm aware of that is on 24/7/365 testing. He shouldn't be the only one. Marquez should have taken the tests. Ward should take the tests. That's it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Disagreement is allowed. Look if boxers are now to be expected to extra testing then make it a damn law or rule or whatever and the Organizations, Commissions and broadcasters who pimp them can pay for the tests. Either everyone does it or forget it. You don't start singling out certain fighters or fights, you do a full court press. They have random drug tests in many workplaces. You mean to tell me these people cant figure out a way to fund a program? Of course they could but they don't want to. They would lose to many highlight reels and probably half of the stars. I don't like Ward but I doubt he cheats. He seems like one of these straighter then straight guys that was raised by Ozzie and Harriet.
@ruthless rocco, wasn't that Braun's excuse? Someone should ask Ward what drugs he took during his recovery from injury.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
My gripe with Ward, and other fighters of his caliber, who are making HBO/Showtime money and not taking any and every test out there, is set the example. Be the good guy. Ward is making more than $2MM to face Rodriguez. It shouldn't have had to be in his contract for him to take tests, he should have done it for the sake of having the opportunity to exemplify clean sport. Otherwise, he is encouraging bad behavior, rather than upstanding behavior. If Ward won't take tests making $2MM, why is Joe Blow going to do it when making $100k?
Isn't it ironic that with all his sanctimoniousness and piety, Ward refuses to be the example of clean, drug-free boxing?
In a perfect world, you are absolutely correct. But, we're not in a perfect world, so do the best we can with what we have. Until the Commissions require it, set the example, especially if you are a multi-millionaire. If you are making millions of dollars to fight on HBO, no excuses, take the test.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Or if Rodriguez's team only brings up additional PED testing AFTER the fight is signed then they should have to pay for the cost. They had 2 negotiations to bring up additional PED testing. They did not. Why would Rodriguez wait to get in front of the media to bring up PED testing? It seems to be an attempted smear campaign...and by the looks of it many are buying it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
If its the most full proof and thorough system it should simply be mandatory regardless of class or economic status. Frankly it not Wards responsibility to set an example and be a role model. Boxing needs to clean its own house at the foundation before it counts on the renters to do it for them. Just cause he's well payed doesn't make him any more suspect than a highly touted kid just starting out on FoxDeportes with investors.
On a side note Rodriquez can shate dynamite and have horse shoes in his gloves, he's still not beating Ward.
It does make him more suspect because, unlike the kid on Fox Deportes, he has the financial means to do the tests, whereas the kid on Fox Deportes doesn't. More importantly, he was asked to take the test, and refused. If the kid on Fox Deportes refused, I'd be suspicious too. I'm more suspicious with Ward because he can afford to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli
It's not Ward's responsibility to do it, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't. It just means he doesn't have to. The distinction is significant.
Rodriguez is trying to smear Ward, and shame on him for it. HOWEVER, there is a really easy way to quiet any bad talk: take the test.Quote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphatOr if Rodriguez's team only brings up additional PED testing AFTER the fight is signed then they should have to pay for the cost. They had 2 negotiations to bring up additional PED testing. They did not. Why would Rodriguez wait to get in front of the media to bring up PED testing? It seems to be an attempted smear campaign...and by the looks of it many are buying it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Rodriguez is now working with Victor Conte and Conte used to work with Ward.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratRodriguez is trying to smear Ward, and shame on them for it. HOWEVER, there is a really easy way to quiet any bad talk: take the test.Quote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphatOr if Rodriguez's team only brings up additional PED testing AFTER the fight is signed then they should have to pay for the cost. They had 2 negotiations to bring up additional PED testing. They did not. Why would Rodriguez wait to get in front of the media to bring up PED testing? It seems to be an attempted smear campaign...and by the looks of it many are buying it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Conte advised Edwin to do the random testing and im presuming he also advised Edwin to call Ward up on it;D
At this point in time, with so many boxers being busted for PEDs, I'm cynical as it is that even with progressive testing protocol, cheaters won't be caught, but when a boxer refuses tests now, it has to be a red flag. I don't see any two ways about it anymore. At one point, I didn't fully understand the scope of the epidemic, but now, unless you're tested with VADA, or at least WADA etc., it's hard not to think you're not on something.
And I agree that will clear the smear but its not as easy as just saying "take the tests." Rodriguez can't just wait to call out Ward in the press conference, pick the agency, and make Ward pay for the additional testing. They have negotiations for a reason. Who pays for it? Which agency or agencies do they agree on? What are the stipulations of the test as to when it starts and how close to the fight can you be blood tested? In this particular fight and situation Ward is not wrong if there is no agreement on testing. They had 2 negotiations that are now over, additional PED testing wasn't even brought up by team Rodriquez, and they have less than a month until the fight.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratRodriguez is trying to smear Ward, and shame on them for it. HOWEVER, there is a really easy way to quiet any bad talk: take the test.Quote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphatOr if Rodriguez's team only brings up additional PED testing AFTER the fight is signed then they should have to pay for the cost. They had 2 negotiations to bring up additional PED testing. They did not. Why would Rodriguez wait to get in front of the media to bring up PED testing? It seems to be an attempted smear campaign...and by the looks of it many are buying it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
did both Provodnikov and Alvarado say they were going to voluntarily have themselves tested on camera? were they both being given nutritional aids by a known and confessed drug cheat? if no, then you've missed the point.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuitA little hasty fellas. He might be using for injury rehab and he could also test in the allowable levels for that. That is why Lamont got his belt back. Him refusing testing does not mean therefore that he would test over those limits. This thread is a giant rush to judgement. Seems a slippery slope to me without a demand via rule changes. I bet Provo and Alvarado did not use VADA so by the standards on display here they must both be cheats.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratI disagree 100%. Take the damn test. Since the Pacquiao/Mayweather situation, if you are a fighter getting paid HBO money to fight, there are no excuses for not taking the test. In a perfect world, the commissions and the boxing organizations would make strict drug testing mandatory for all boxers, but we're not in a perfect world. If you are clean, prove it, be the example for clean competition, not the other way around. So far, Donaire is the only competitor I'm aware of that is on 24/7/365 testing. He shouldn't be the only one. Marquez should have taken the tests. Ward should take the tests. That's it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Disagreement is allowed. Look if boxers are now to be expected to extra testing then make it a damn law or rule or whatever and the Organizations, Commissions and broadcasters who pimp them can pay for the tests. Either everyone does it or forget it. You don't start singling out certain fighters or fights, you do a full court press. They have random drug tests in many workplaces. You mean to tell me these people cant figure out a way to fund a program? Of course they could but they don't want to. They would lose to many highlight reels and probably half of the stars. I don't like Ward but I doubt he cheats. He seems like one of these straighter then straight guys that was raised by Ozzie and Harriet.
@ruthless rocco , wasn't that Braun's excuse? Someone should ask Ward what drugs he took during his recovery from injury.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruthless rocco
Ward said he would submit himself to testing and hasn't... and he has had association with Conte. that's the difference
Boxers have been on roids for god damn 30 years i think in the top level does it really matter. I mean if we just make them Legal we can bypass all this we want boxing clean but really we just want to look good and do nothing. I think just make it legal because i think everyone on them anyhow who cares.
I get the gist of that, totally, I just don't think he's obligated to do anything simply because he seemingly is able to spend the money. I think it's more about the powers that be trying to put on a show and act like they are doing everything conceivable to clean it up. Basically everyone is a suspect now but I think holding a man in judgement on what he should do rather than meeting the set requirement put forth for everyone else is something out of a fantasy novel.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratIt does make him more suspect because, unlike the kid on Fox Deportes, he has the financial means to do the tests, whereas the kid on Fox Deportes doesn't. More importantly, he was asked to take the test, and refused. If the kid on Fox Deportes refused, I'd be suspicious too. I'm more suspicious with Ward because he can afford to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli
It's not Ward's responsibility to do it, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't. It just means he doesn't have to. The distinction is significant.
Is that anything like what Salido did, smear the queer? ;DQuote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphat
Ward should take the test on his own volition.Quote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphatAnd I agree that will clear the smear but its not as easy as just saying "take the tests." Rodriguez can't just wait to call out Ward in the press conference, pick the agency, and make Ward pay for the additional testing. They have negotiations for a reason. Who pays for it? Which agency or agencies do they agree on? What are the stipulations of the test as to when it starts and how close to the fight can you be blood tested? In this particular fight and situation Ward is not wrong if there is no agreement on testing. They had 2 negotiations that are now over, additional PED testing wasn't even brought up by team Rodriquez, and they have less than a month until the fight.Quote:
Originally Posted by RantcatratRodriguez is trying to smear Ward, and shame on them for it. HOWEVER, there is a really easy way to quiet any bad talk: take the test.Quote:
Originally Posted by jehoshaphatOr if Rodriguez's team only brings up additional PED testing AFTER the fight is signed then they should have to pay for the cost. They had 2 negotiations to bring up additional PED testing. They did not. Why would Rodriguez wait to get in front of the media to bring up PED testing? It seems to be an attempted smear campaign...and by the looks of it many are buying it.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
I'd say that most fans do not want PEDS in boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr140
I don't want the guy with the most money, who can buy the best drugs, to have the advantage.
I don't want the guy with the best connected trainer, who knows where to snag the best drugs, to have the advantage.
I don't want the guy without character, who will do almost anything to win, to have the advantage.
I want to know that both fighters got there through hard work, not who had the best drugs.
I want a fair fight, as much as any fight can be. I'm pretty sure that's what most of us want.
This shit is so situational. A working end justifies the means thing. Institute random tests for at least to start tile fights or stfu. If this crap could be put into math it might solve the perpetual motion equation.
This picking and choosing horse shit while agreeing that everyone is guilty. It gets a little thick.
No you're right however, I don't think from a risk reward point of view it would suit him to take it, he's night lightning fast, has unending stamina or punches like a truck. Of all people to Juice I'd say GGG is more likely and I'm almost positive he's clean as well...but I can be dead wrong so who knows?Quote:
Originally Posted by erics44Are the only people that juice those that knock people out?Quote:
Originally Posted by DavilaJones
Thats what tweeks me, its not a fighters responsibility to disprove or one up the excepted requirements based on his status or standing. Set the parameters and enforce them or no one needs to be jumping through the hoops for the gallery. Assbackwards!Quote:
Originally Posted by IamInuit
Is he refusing to be tested by the law as it stands???