Scout Coker Says "No Thanks" To Signing Gerald Harris

In a move that mirrors their pro wrestling doppleganger TNA Wrestling, Strikeforce is showing restraint in acquiring UFC recent castoffs like Gerald Harris or Efrain Escudero. While both men are solid fighters (and in Efrain's case, young) and would be a welcome addition to any up-and-coming organization's divisions, Strikeforce has decided to pass, especially in the case of Gerald Harris.

"I talked to my guys about it, actually, they talked to me about it," Coker said of signing Harris. "I watched the fight [against Falcao], I didn't know how to judge it. Then they told me about his background and his past and things you are telling me now, that this guy is a tremendous athlete (who) has a ton of potential and just had bad showing or fought very cautious to try and win the fight.

"The only thing right now is we are really committed to the fighters we have under contract now and I want to make sure these guys get in the mix two or three next year. That doesn't mean we can't revisit with him, but for right now, I would say that I want to take care of the roster we currently have."

While I can understand the reasoning behind not wanting to pick up the bigger organization's "scraps" as it would make you look second-rate, I don't think that's the motivation here. It looks like to me Coker is saying "Hey, I've got a lot of fighters on my roster that I can't even get fights for, why bring in a middle of the road guy?" which is perfectly fine...if Strikeforce wasn't adamant about trying to bring in 3-time steroid failure, haven't fought anyone relevant in years Josh Barnett who isn't even licensed in America. Matter of fact, he'll be fighting for his MMA life alongside fellow PED failure Chael Sonnen Thursday at the California State Athletic Commission hearing. 

Notice I didn't mention Walker, Lashley or even Batista because they are draws, but what drawing power does Josh Barnett have in America? They have enough Heavyweights that won't fight each other, why add another who avoided Fedor for years and has the stench of steroids on him? 

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