The sad story of Nick Diaz's suspension has mobilized people from all walks of life. From fellow fighters like Ronda Rousey to pop culture phenomenons like Cher, the sheer number of people backing the embattled welterweight has been astounding. One more has joined the ranks, though: former Diaz rival and former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre.
Speaking with RDS.ca, he expressed his support for Diaz. "Personally, five years, I think it is too much," St-Pierre said, via FoxSports.com's Damon Martin. "I think they wanted to use him as an example because this is a colorful character who talks a lot and made a lot of noise."
Diaz, of course, scored his third career failed drug test for marijuana metabolites following his UFC 183 bout with Anderson Silva. While it was the latest installment in an almost decade-long romance story between Diaz and weed, the fact that he received a whopping five-year suspension and a huge $150,000 fine didn't sit well with many. The fact that Silva tested positive for anabolic steroids for the very same fight and received just a one-year suspension ignited a firestorm of controversy.
That rekindled the discussion about the effects of marijuana in combat sports and has some questioning why it is banned at all. St-Pierre, more or less, is among that lot. "This is a drug, yes, but I think there should be different penalties for certain products that competitors use," St-Pierre said. He continued, "marijuana can help a person suffering from anxiety, but it can't make you physically stronger or more powerful, more efficient. I do not think it should be judged as severe."
Diaz and St-Pierre had an ugly feud from 2011 into 2013. Their bitter rivalry included the wild cancellation of their UFC 137 bout, Diaz's second failed drug test following his controversial fight with Carlos Condit and a strong buildup ahead of their fight at UFC 158. St-Pierre, however, seems to have put that animosity behind him and is backing up Diaz.
According to his attorney, the Diaz camp is working on an appeal of the suspension, but that could take years and may or may not be successful. In the meantime, fans who support Diaz can sign the White House petition calling for the suspension to be overturned.
