Ex-federal agent praises Rousey as role model for anti-doping program
It turns out UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is not just the organization’s leader in popularity, she may also be a role model for the newly-implemented drug testing program.
At least, that is, according to Jeff Novitzky, the former federal agent who has been charged with coordinating the system in conjunction with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Novitzky said Rousey went out of her way to show her appreciation to sample collectors charged with drawing her blood after an August victory over Bethe Correia.
According to a USA Today profile, the man who gained prominence as an investigator on the Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong cases was told by the collectors who took the sample in the wee hours of a Sunday morning in Brazil that Rousey praised them for their efforts in ensuring a clean sport.
Novitzky told the newspaper having a fighter like Rousey so eager to cooperate and be a part of the anti-doping program can only help with its implementation.
“That’s really important, that our top athletes are ambassadors because they’re role models not only to the public, but to our other athletes,’’ he said. “And when they heard Ronda Rousey out there confirming this is a great program and something good for UFC, I think that not only the public listens, but our other athletes listen.’’
Rousey, of course, has plenty of experience with comprehensive testing. She was a bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Olympics.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj
