Nick Diaz Tests Positive: Dana White Responds to NSAC Report

UFC president Dana White issued the following statement in a press release emailed out by the UFC at approximately 7 p.m. EST in response to the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s report on UFC 143 interim welterweight championship contender Nick Diaz:

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"I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana," said White. "It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission."

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Earlier today, Executive Director of Nevada Athletic Commission Keith Kizer sent out an email to members of the media in regard to UFC 143 post-fight drug tests with this hairy little nugget:

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"All results received thus far have been negative, except Mr. Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites. A complaint for disciplinary action against Mr. Diaz has been filed."

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Given the well-publicized track record of Diaz, it is hard to fathom how anyone could possibly be surprised at, let alone disappointed in, Diaz for testing positive for marijuana.

The whole situation is a mucked up win-win for both the organization and Diaz, regardless. 

The amount of publicity Diaz has toked up during his short return to the UFC tenure—from retiring BJ Penn, to the whole back-and-forth saga with Georges St-Pierre—has been nothing short of proactive; it got the people talking.

It's not like the sport is going to receive a black eye for the Diaz drug test, unless people think the UFC took the low road in knowingly bringing back a known rebel-rouser.

Did they?

For Diaz, who never wavered from his "principles," he gets to be even more endearing to the fans. And, did he not already retire after his close decision loss to Condit?

So, really, all of this is a moot point—right?

The one thing no one should be doing right now, though, is getting mad at Diaz—at least not confused over his actions and/or calling him an idiot (or any other superlatives). Diaz is who he is. Dana White wanted him to play the game "just a little bit," and he didn't.

Perhaps all of it was a game all along—so put that in your pipe and smoke it. 

Bleacher Report directly received both emails.