Double drug test failure leads to first pro athlete license revocation

John George, who last competed for MEZ Sports Partners on June 14, 2008 in Upland, Calif., has had his license revoked by the California State Athletic Commission. George becomes the first athlete in California to test positive twice for anabolic agents and the first athlete to have his license as a professional athlete revoked for the repeat steroid violation.

He is eligible to reapply for licensure after Sept. 23, 2009. Due to having tested positive twice and having his license revoked, however, before any subsequent application for license is approved, George will need to appear in front of the California State Athletic Commission. A majority vote of the Commission will determine if his application for license is granted and if he is reinstated for competition.

Two other fighters, Alijah Reni and Jeremy Tavares, have also been fined and suspended by the CSAC.

Reni, who last competed for War Gods on Sept. 12, 2008, in Salinas, has been suspended for adulterating his test for drugs of abuse. He has been fined $1,000 and suspended from the conclusion of the bout through March 11, 2009.

Tavares, who last competed for Strikeforce: Young Guns on Sept. 13, 2008 in San Jose, has been suspended for his second marijuana violation and for attempting to adulterate his test for drugs of abuse. He has been fined $1,000 and suspended from the conclusion of the bout through March 12, 2009.

CSAC representative seemed especially concerned relaying that, "In the case of the Tavares and Reni suspensions, during the entire weekend, only two bouts were selected for drugs of abuse testing and lo and behold, it produced two positives out of a total of four athletes tested."