Paris
Suspended Detroit fighter Vernon “Iceman” Paris was suspended by Michigan officials on Monday, making him ineligible to fight at any non-Native American show for the next ninety days. The suspension comes more than fourteen months after state officials report that Paris failed his post-fight drug test. The promising young boxer tested positive for Marijuana following a December 22, 2006 fight in Flint which Paris won over Aaron Sannipoli by knockout. That result has since been changed to a “no contest” in the official records. The drawn out process that results in disciplinary action has its critics, including Boxing Commission Chairman Al Low who said the Commission is working to institute summary suspension like other states have. Low is optimistic that changes are coming soon that would streamline the process while still protecting the rights of accused boxers. The troubles for Paris do not end with this single suspension, however. The topic that is the talk of the town in boxing circles is, and state officials have confirmed, that two additional complaints are being investigated against the undefeated prospect. One, for failing a second drug test this past December at a show in Dearborn and two, that Paris left a second show in Dearborn last month without submitting a sample for testing. State enforcement officials report that the failure to be tested is treated the same as failing the test itself. If both new allegations are sustained against Paris, then his license to box in the state could be revoked, rather than suspended under current rules. The penalty if even one of the new charges is sustained is a one-year suspension. Paris’
trainer, David Lester, declined to comment for this story and a
call to manager “Bing” Shumate, as in previous stories,
was not returned. Contact with Paris through his Myspace page was
also not returned and promoter Carlos Llinas long ago refused to
speak with Sportssummary. |