USADA Issues Statement On TJ Dillashaw Failed Drug Test
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has released a statement on TJ Dillashaw’s current situation.
USADA confirmed that Dillashaw did, in fact, fail a drug test. The agency noted they were able to confirm the news since Dillashaw made the situation public first. Here’s what USADA had to say:
“In light of Mr. Dillashaw’s social media post this morning, we can confirm that an in-competition test conducted by USADA on January 18, 2019 resulted in an adverse analytical finding.
“In this instance, we are able to confirm the finding due to Mr. Dillashaw’s public statement. The presumption of innocence under the rules is a vital part of an effective anti-doping program and it’s only fair that Mr. Dillashaw be allowed due process before any conclusions are drawn.”
Dillashaw initially confirmed the news on Instagram this morning (Wed. March 20, 2019), along with announcing he has vacated the bantamweight title. It was later confirmed Dillashaw has received a one-year suspension, retroactive to his last fight date, by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). The now-former 135-pound champion was also fined $10,000.
He will be eligible to return to action on January 19, 2020. It remains to be seen what kind of sanctions USADA takes against Dillashaw.
