The Goat: Josh Barnett
by Zak Woods on Jul 25, 2009 10:18 AM EDT
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A little over a week ago Mike Swick stated that Brock Lesnar was probably most hated man in MMA. In the past two days that title may have been taken over by Josh Barnett.
In the past week Josh Barnett tested positive for steroids, was denied a fighting license in California, threw the Affliction "Trilogy" card in doubt, which was then canceled and now Affliction as a promotion is dead. While Affliction's business model was most likely doomed from the start the clear catalyst of the promotion's demise was Barnett positive test for Drostanolone.
On top of the unsavory title of "Affliction killer" Barnett will have to live with the stigma within the close-knit community of fighters. Twenty three fighters lost their employment yesterday and all the hard-work and sweat they poured into their upcoming bouts will count for nothing. Gegard Mousasi was the first to voice his displeasure, saying, "It's ridiculous because one idiot we all have to pay for that. F*ck it." At this moment we have no idea if the fighter's will be compensated for lost wages, which is the real story in Affliction's fall.
There is hope that some of the bouts that were scheduled for next week will be moved to either M-1's or Strikeforce's respective August events.
It should be stated that Josh declared his innocence and is preparing an appeal. However even if Barnett's appeal is successful, and he is exonerated in full, it won't change the fact that Affliction folded and his colleagues lost their jobs, which is the real cardinal sin of the story.
In the end Josh Barnett could be the biggest goat in MMA history.
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Josh Barnett was a moron, but he shouldn’t be the scapegoat. Unforrseen circumstances and bad breaks happen all the time. When Affliction got in the fight business, unforseen circumstances and bad breaks happen in this business and they have to be prepared for worse of it. Barnett could have not competed on the card many of ways, like possibly injuring himself during training. Affliction could of still put on the event. it goes to show that you realistically can’t build your promotion around any fighters because of situations like this.
by The Bronzeville Bully on Jul 25, 2009 4:41 PM EDT reply actions
Also, Barnett, I guarantee is probably not the only competitor on the card that’s on steroids, he was just the only one that got caught. Not that I agree with the use of performing enhancing drugs.
by The Bronzeville Bully on Jul 25, 2009 4:45 PM EDT reply actions
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