Last month, former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw announced that there was an “adverse” finding in one of his UFC Brooklyn USADA tests, and that he would be vacating his title while attempting to resolve the issue. Well, the issue is now resolved, as Tuesday, Dillashaw accepted a two-year suspension for the failure.
Dillashaw tested positive for recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in an in-competition sample taken the day before failed flyweight title challenge against Henry Cejudo. The revelation that Dillashaw failed for EPO is seen widely as a damning failure as it is unlikely EPO could come about as a result of a tainted supplement or other unintentional ingestion method. Possibly as a result of this, Dillashaw’s strength and conditioning coach, Sam Calavitta, released a statement yesterday, (per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto) calling Dillashaw’s failure ‘inexcusable’.
Statement from TJ Dillashaw’s nutritionist/strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta. pic.twitter.com/2usauhm7ru
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 10, 2019
It is with a heavy heart that I, Coach Cal, the owner, founder, and purveyor of The reigning Lab, have recently seen the defeat of one of our family members in recent months. This defeat is not due to the skills and combat savvy of an opponent of flesh, but rather a defeat at the perilous hands of a far more sinister foe; the demon of self doubt which haunts each and everyone of us at one time or another in our lives.
As a man of few words, preferring passion and belief as a shield to be carried out upon, I am bemused to careless and reckless dialog for no other purpose than to make myself head among the masses plagued by willful ignorance. However, there is an appropriate, and even required time for the head of a family to speak out. And, this is such a time.
The Treigning Lab in no way condones or encourages our family of athletes, worldwide, to partake in the perilous downward spiraling helix of synthetic performance enhancement. To do so is not only harmful to the individual but also harmful to the brothers, sisters, and other family members who are judged guilty by association. Yet the arena of public scrutiny is heavily weighted down with the enigma of fear for what it does not understand. To that end, the fact remains that The Treigning Lab, in concept and private practice established itself among Olympic and collegiate wrestlers in the year 2001 and has embarked on the life changing journey through sport with thousands of athletes spanning almost two decades of unparalleled excellence. We use quantitative analysis, metabolically accurate nutrition, proper supplementation, recovery facilitation, intelligence, and a training regiment of such high intensity that few have the wherewithal to imagine, much less dare to embrace. In the same amount of time, our athletes have never failed a single mandated test, yet reside among the elite in each of their chosen sports; standing at the top of the podium of character and integrity.
The Treigning Lab was built upon the foundation of integrity, hard work, and most importantly family. So, in light of recent events The Treigning Lab and its affiliates would, first, like to thank USADA for upholding the standard of sterling athletic practices and offering tests to ensure the safety and fairness of competitive sports. That being said, we would also like to thank all those who have come forward at this time to show their genuine concern for all of our athletes, especially TJ Dillashaw, a fallen soldier on the battlefield of public expectation and demand for perfection. Although, not right, and inexcusable, TJ succumbed to the relentless pressure to win at any cost for the purposes of appeasing his employers, pleasing his fan base, and providing for his family; a sentiment that we all can relate to.
He has now accepted the repercussions of his decisions; and as such, it is our decision as The Treigning Lab family, to stand beside him in his journey forward.
Dillashaw began working with The Treigning Lab in 2017 in the lead up to his grudge match fight with Cody Garbrandt at UFC 227.
Someone Dillashaw has been working with much longer, Duane Ludwig, also issued a response to the revelations. Ludwig, Dillashaw’s head coach, posted to Instagram, keeping the same sentiment as Calavitta’s statement, though in much fewer words.
He is not the first nor will he be the last but yes it is inexcusable! People make mistakes BUT he’s still my Ninja! #StillMyNinja #KillaShaw. ‘He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.’ Jesus Christ.
Dillashaw’s suspension is retroactive to the date the sample was collected, meaning the former bantamweight champion will be eligible to compete again on Jan. 18, 2021.
MUST-READ STORIES
Wow. T.J. Dillashaw accepts two-year suspension for USADA violation.
Salt. Cody Garbrandt rips ‘scumbag’ T.J. Dillashaw after USADA suspension.
Fight. Daniel Cormier wants Dana White to make Brock Lesnar fight happen: ‘Let’s get this s*it on the books’.
Rizin. Rizin details Manny Pacquiao deal, announces Tenshin Nasukawa’s return.
Champ Champ. Ryan Bader signs multi-year deal with Bellator.
VIDEO STEW
Embedded 2.
Top 5 finishes from Max.
Bellator NYC presser.
Anatomy of UFC 236.
Izzy fight camp.
Francis interview.
LISTEN UP
Eurobash. Interviews with Chris Bungard, Tom King, and Chris Fields.
Mookie & Crookie. Reviewing BKFC 5, and Travis Browne saving the WWE’s day.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Cody.
Test all his samples I bet for a fact more epo pops up, @TJDillashaw is a coward. Tj call me when that suspension is up! Scum bag https://t.co/LIjynev9VT
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
All of my losses are from Fighters that have popped for PEDs @ufc @usantidoping I can stand behind this when I say I’ll always be a drug free athlete, #1 reason is the believe I have in myself. #2 I respect the game Twitter rant over y’all have a good day ❤️
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
Can’t wait to see who he blames for sticking the needles In him lol where’s bang at https://t.co/zPtcwtHLzK
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
Let’s make this clear I’m not saying my losses are a direct result of PED convicted fighters. I also fought like a dumb ass
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
Anyways I’ll be back at the end of the year.
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
Oh for sure Duane is crying that was his life’s work invested into him but Duane knew he was on the juice to. What a leader he is! https://t.co/CT4iE3r2aT
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2019
Conor.
Respect Cody!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 9, 2019
The loyalty you showed for Urijah and your team on that faithful day in the TUF gym will forever stand out to me!
Enjoy this moment and these returned victories to you!
Clean and Unbeaten! https://t.co/c15qkvthOF
Loyalty we both understand, I hope the family is well! https://t.co/V1cqKgRsrj
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 10, 2019
This is a horrible idea.
Just an idea. If it's a 2yr ban forward then also make it a 2yr ban previous. Any wins in that period overturned and win bonuses given to opponents. This is how you disincentivize cheats, remove the rewards fully.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) April 10, 2019
Investments.
.Well ... 10k$ fine and 2 years suspension To have been competed on steroids for so long and making so much money It was all worthy for him lol , I understand why he seems to don't care .
— Nordine Taleb (@TNT83MMA) April 10, 2019
To note, punishments are not effective deterrents. It’s the likelihood of getting caught that is.
Insane to me dudes are still willing to risk 2 years to get an advantage. How many actually have cajones to compete clean? All natural baby and you still can’t stop me.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) April 10, 2019
Maybe sit the next couple of plays out.
Thank you for your continued support in @treigning_lab we will continue to dominate weather you like it or not! pic.twitter.com/RmR11qUI84
— Juan Archuleta (@jarchmma) April 10, 2019
Working with the UFCPI gets you free food. Who knew?
Bagging Wednesday meals for 15 athletes who chose to work with the @UFCPI and @TrifectaSystem - all meals are personalized to each athlete’s needs during their weight decrease. #UFC236 @Jon_Anik @joerogan pic.twitter.com/vKI40Y8dSe
— Mario A. Limaduran (@foodmsquared) April 9, 2019
Chael calling for a Tito rematch.
️ @ChaelSonnen: "I would love to fight @titoortiz... he has nowhere to fight. People don't trust him and they don't like him." pic.twitter.com/7WuCnkC3Ah
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) April 9, 2019
Surgery.
Someone’s been watching too many movies.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Walt Harris (11-7, 1 NC) vs. Sergey Spivak (9-0); UFC Ottawa, May 4.
Austin Hubbard (10-2) vs. Davi Ramos (9-2); UFC Rochester, May 18.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-4) vs. Alexa Grasso (10-2); UFC 238, June 8.
Dillon Danis (1-0) vs. Max Humphrey (3-2); Bellator 222, June 14.
Diego Sanchez (29-11) vs. Michael Chiesa (15-4); UFC 239, July 6.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It would take far too long to parse out all the nonsense in Coach Cal’s novel so I’ll just keep it to this: using fifty words when four would do reeks of BS.
Oh, and all PEDs should be legal.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Does TJ’s failure and suspension change your opinion of the TAM beef?
This poll is closed
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26%
Yes, I’m pro TAM now.
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70%
No, it makes no difference.
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3%
Yes, I’m pro TJ now.
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