Dear Maniacs,

This is not just another Condit/Diaz thread. This is an example of how Diaz shouldn't act. This isn't about the endless conversation of whether Diaz won for pushing the pace or Condit won because he out-pointed Diaz. That fight is over.

As much as I am sure you all have your opinions on whether or not to legalize certain drugs. Marijuana being one of the most controversial. After reading most of the thread on the statement released today about Nick Diaz testing positive for Marijuana, I found myself questioning things about the attitude towards Mixed Martial Arts. The direction fighters want to go in in terms of the reaction they get from the public is simple. Fighters don't want to be presumed as thugs. Fighters aren't these dumb, redneck, strong guys that can't put a sentence together. Don't get me wrong, it is perfectly okay to be dumb, a redneck and strong. Even being a thug has its perks. But some people have to understand that if they want this sport to grow, you can't have people saying, "No biggie, Diaz tested positive again for weed." Let me tell you why.

Frankly, sports businesses such as the MLB, NFL, etc. have recently put such a big hammer down on illegal drugs and steroids. Obviously Diaz will receive most likely a 6 month or one year ban from the NSAC, but these guys have to learn something if they want to make more money. I personally found it entertaining that Diaz was talking a whole lot of trash during the fight. Thats a part of sports. Don't get me wrong. I love sports. I live for sports. But I respect sports. I respect these guys that fight for their families to put food on the table. The legalization of drugs is something to be spoken about to your local congressmen. Whether I am for or against it is a whole other story and conversation.

This article is meant to share an idea. An idea that has a professional fighter, you have to respect the rules. You have to just respect the game. There will always be the "bad boys" in sports. I see more people complain about guys missing weight than doing an illegal drug. I don't care what the side effects are. Both you can't do. Its as simple as that. Many people in this world smoke weed. There is no doubt. I would even say about 50% of you Maniacs enjoy weed. I am not saying you guys are at fault. But these guys are professional athletes. And it must be understood why it is important that no matter what area you come from, you still have to abide by the rules. And if you don't, you're career will suffer. If you can't "Deal with this sh*t" Then don't deal with it. Sit at home. He should know better plain and simple.