The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended UFC welterweight Nick Diaz for five years on Monday because of the third marijuana-related offense of his career.
NSAC commissioner Skip Avansino acknowledged during deliberations a five-year ban is essentially “a lifetime (ban) for (Diaz).”
Diaz (26-9) appeared before the commission in person but declined to answer any of its questions. Commissioner Pat Lundvall forced Diaz to verbally plead the fifth throughout a long series of approximately 30 questions. He spoke to the media immediately following the hearing.
“I’m pretty pissed,” said Diaz after the hearing. “I got into this sport for this exact reason, being stuck in a room with people like that.
“I wanted to tell them what I think. I wanted to tell each and every one of them they’re a bunch of dorks. Everybody who sees them or knows who they are should tell them that. I would if it weren’t for my experts advising me to keep my mouth shut. I wanted to get up and say, ‘Look. You guys are way the f— out of line.’ “
Lucas Middlebrook, Diaz’s lead attorney, said he will appeal the five-year suspension. Additionally, the NSAC fined Diaz $165,000.
