UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk will go before the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) on October 31 to plead his innocence to charges of steroid use, according to FightNetwork.com.
Sherk tested positive for an anabolic steroid agent known as "nandrolone" after his successful unanimous decision title defense against Hermes Franca at UFC 73: "Stacked" on July 7.
He claims that there is a mistake -- even though both samples that he provided were tainted -- and has hired a high-powered attorney, Howard Jacobs, to clear his name.
Here's a snip:
"Sherk's attorney ... confirmed his legal team is investigating the lab documentation pertaining to urine specimens taken from his client. Jacobs also said Sherk's supplements were being tested."
The 155-pound champion and Octagon veteran has already been fined $2,500. Sherk also faces a one-year suspension and will be stripped of his title if the ruling is upheld.
It's unfortunate that the hearing will take place on Halloween. That's because prior to this situation Sherk was penciled in to fight BJ Penn at UFC 78 in Newark, N.J., on November 17.
With just two weeks between the hearing and the event, it's safe to say that Sherk will not be competing in the Garden State. Penn, on the other hand, could still face Joe Stevenson -- a match up that will likely happen to determine a new champion if the title is vacated.
However, Stevenson is recovering from a broken nose he suffered in his UFC 74 win over Kurt Pellegrino and is on medical suspension.
It just seems like this entire situation right now is an utter mess. And only time will determine how it all unfolds.
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