Boxing Star Claressa Shields Faces Suspended Sentence After Testing Positive for Marijuana
Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time undisputed world champion, is facing a 90-day suspension and possible fine after testing positive for marijuana following her last boxing match. Shields, who has never used marijuana, claims that she was exposed to secondhand smoke at the venue, which may have triggered the positive test.
According to Shields’ attorney, David Slutsker, the boxer will request that the suspension be revoked during a pre-hearing meeting on March 6. Shields has also expressed concerns about the testing protocol, claiming that the saliva test was administered improperly and that the results may not be accurate.
Shields is not the only boxer to test positive for marijuana after the February 2 match. Eight of the 16 boxers on the card were drug tested, and three of them, including Shields, tested positive for the drug. However, Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, claims that the amount of marijuana detected in Shields’ system was negligible and consistent with potential secondhand exposure rather than personal use.
The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC), which regulates boxing in the state, has suspended Shields pending the outcome of the hearing. The commission has also come under scrutiny for its use of saliva tests, which have been criticized for being less accurate and prone to contamination than other methods.
Shields has drawn criticism for working with Victor Conte, a dietary supplement and training adviser who was involved in the BALCO steroids scandal. However, Conte has since repositioned himself as a leader in the anti-doping movement and works with multiple champion boxers.
The controversy surrounding Shields’ positive test has raised questions about the accuracy of drug testing and the impact of secondhand smoke on test results. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed concerns about the use of saliva tests, which are less accurate and less effective than urine and blood tests.
Shields has maintained her innocence and has expressed her commitment to being a clean athlete. She has also offered to undergo additional testing to clear her name. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Shields will be able to continue her boxing career without suspension.
