CSAC Suspends Walt Harris 4 Months For Failed Drug Test
Walt Harris was last seen in action at UFC 232, defeating former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski by decision.
That win is no more because Harris has failed a drug test in-line with the UFC and has seen that victory against Arlovski overturned to a no contest. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the fighter four months and also fined him $4,000. The suspension is also retroactive to the date of the drug test failure, meaning that Harris can compete again on April 29 of this year.
Harris is also going to have to enroll in addition drug testing, which is going to be handled by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster says that Harris was able to prove that he ingested a tainted substance, which is why the suspension and fine were reduced.
Jason House, who serves as Harris’ agent, issued the following statement on the matter (via MMA Fighting):
“We just want to thank Andy Foster and CSAC, as well as [UFC executive] Jeff Novitzky and the UFC for their help in this situation. We knew all along Walt was innocent. We’re very grateful that we were able to clear his name.”
The UFC star can still be sanctioned by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for the failed drug test, but nothing has been announced at this time.
