Georges St-Pierre Offers To Help Nick Diaz Fight NSAC Suspension

In an interview with RDS (via MMA Junkie, Georges St-Pierre offered his support to Nick Diaz as he fights the five-year suspension handed to him by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Here are highlights:

On the length of the suspension: “Personally, I think five years is a lot, especially if you compare his case to Anderson Silva or other athletes who got caught cheating and received a lighter suspension. I think they wanted to use him as an example because of how colorful he is and of the attention he gets. They wanted to create a precedent similar to what has been done in Olympic sports with Marion Jones, for example. Unfortunately, it happened to fall on him, but I think everyone is entitled to a second chance.”

On the difference between marijuana and PEDs: “This is a drug, yes, but I think there should be different penalties for certain products that competitors use, because then it does not really make sense. Marijuana can help a person suffering from anxiety, but it cannot make you physically stronger or more powerful, more efficient. The sanctions should not be as severe.”

On supporting Diaz: “Nick is a very charismatic, he makes a lot of attention, but it’s not someone I hate. I have no hatred toward him. Many things had been said before our fight, but it was only in sporting terms. I did not take anything personal. We need guys like him in the sport, and I hope he will return soon. If I can help in one way or another, without getting in trouble, it’ll make me happy to do so. This is someone that I like, and I wish him the best of luck.”