Andre Ward has refused to participate in the VADA testing

[Freedom]

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.

[DavilaJones]

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.

[Freedom]

Before the fight was signed, Ward verbally agreed to PED testing. But now he's going back on his word:

[TitoFan]

Before the fight was signed, Ward verbally agreed to PED testing. But now he's going back on his word:

Would've been a more effective interview if someone had told those people in the back to STFU.

[jehoshaphat]

Before the fight was signed, Ward verbally agreed to PED testing. But now he's going back on his word:

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.

[TitoFan]

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.

[Ron Swanson]

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

[IamInuit]

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.

[erics44]

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.

Are the only people that juice those that knock people out?

[Beanflicker]

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.

[Beanflicker]

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.

[Rantcatrat]

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.

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.

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.

@ruthless rocco, wasn't that Braun's excuse? Someone should ask Ward what drugs he took during his recovery from injury.

[DavilaJones]

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.

Are the only people that juice those that knock people out?

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?

[imp]

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.

[beenKOed]

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.