Commission’s tough stand lumps drug-using athletes together
These are challenging times for the Nevada Athletic Commission and executive director Keith Kizer.
It's one thing to tout a tough-on-drugs policy to the outside world. It's another thing to set aside politics and have the courage of your convictions.
And not all drugs are the same. Two cases that have crossed Kizer's desk are prime examples.
One involves a failed drug test by junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson, whose urine in March showed positive for unacceptably high levels of synthetic testosterone. The test result forced the cancellation of Peterson's May 19 Las Vegas fight against Amir Khan.
Then there's the hazy case of professional mixed martial arts fighter Nick Diaz, whose Feb. 4 post-bout urine test showed positive "for the presence of marijuana metabolites" in violation of commission regulation.
Trouble is, attorney Ross Goodman argues, Diaz has authorization for medicinal marijuana for treatment of his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The lawyer also notes that marijuana metabolite isn't a prohibited substance under current commission regulations and that even the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits marijuana use only "in competition."
For his part, in fighting his commission suspension, Diaz says that he discontinued his marijuana use eight days before his appearance on the card at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
The challenges to the commission are complex and, no matter what you will hear, plenty political. Following the rules on the books can conflict with doing what's best for business at a time the Las Vegas economy needs all the boosting it can get.
Is there room for compromise in each case?
In the end, the commission must choose wisely. As always, the sports world will be watching.
LAAK'S PLEA: Iraq War veteran Walter Laak was allowed to make an Alford plea to assault with a deadly weapon charges in an incident involving a 19-year-old woman. (The plea is not an admission of guilt, but an acknowledgment that the prosecution possessed evidence that could have resulted in a conviction.) Originally charged with sexual assault, Laak, who was represented by attorney James Ruggeroli, received probation.
"We always believed there was no merit to the claim," Ruggeroli said.
Laak entered the news in 2007 when he was arrested on murder charges. He was acquitted in June 2008.
TAP SPOTLIGHT: The Tap House, a locals bar favorite at 5589 West Charleston Blvd., was featured recently in the Los Angeles Times. Not for its beer, chicken wings and friendly atmosphere, but for its very Vegas Monday night music scene.
The attention has finally put longtime owners Bob Harry and Jim Gerard in the spotlight.
ON THE BOULEVARD: Great news for fans of marvelous martinis and the downtown renaissance. I hear Dalton Wilson and Bryce Krausman are preparing to move their popular DW Bistro from its Fort Apache Road location to the former site of Andre's Restaurant near the federal courthouse. Kevin Mills is onto something at the Omelet House on West Charleston Boulevard. This past week, he played host for breakfast to former Sheriff Ralph Lamb, ex-Mayor Oscar Goodman and other longtime locals, who swapped stories over coffee and eggs. Landry's restaurant devoted its marquee space in honor of Lem Banker on his 85th birthday, a celebration that drew a broad section of the local sporting crowd as well as Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority boss Rossi Ralenkotter. Among others in the crowd: fight trainer Roger Mayweather and island sportsman Dickie Carson.
BOULEVARD II: Safe Nest has been providing domestic violence counseling and shelter in Southern Nevada since 1977. Attending the group's annual Mother's Day Tea, this year at English's in Town Square, is a great way to contribute to a worthy cause. It's set to start at 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact safenest.org.
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.
