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Movement in Paris Cases There has been little change in the status of two rules violations against now-former Detroit light-welterweight Vernon “Iceman” Paris as they make their way slowly through the agency that governs boxing in the state of Michigan. Paris, who moved to Florida earlier this month after another attack on his life, faces disciplinary action from Michigan officials after failing a second drug test and skipping out without providing a sample in a third instance. Both of these latest incidents occurred within the last six months. Paris, meanwhile, is unable to box today because of a failed drug test from late 2006 that took roughly 15 months to wind its way through Michigan’s bureaucracy. The drug in each of these cases was Marijuana. Had the young fighter paid his $250 fine immediately following his last fight, that taking place on February 22 in Dearborn, his ninety day suspension would have ended already and he could have boxed again to earn enough money to pay the fines of the latest complaints. But, for whatever reason, Paris has not paid the fine, lengthening his time out of the ring since the suspension doesn’t end until 3 months after the fine is paid. Now, with the stabbing, that point may be moot as Paris needs time to rehab. State officials had said in early April that they expected before the end of that month to have either reached a settlement with Paris’ attorney or have a hearing date set to adjudicate the matter. A month later, neither has occurred. Officials say that within the next two weeks they should know more. “We’re at a log jam,” Steve Gobbo, Director of Legal Affairs for the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), which regulates boxing and nearly thirty other licensed professions said last week. “We’ve gone no further (since last speaking with Sports Summary).” Gobbo said part of the delay was a desire to incorporate Paris’ third complaint – failing to take a post-fight drug test – into the negotiations or hearing that could be held on the second complaint – that Paris failed a drug test following his WBF All-Americas title win over Kevin Carmody in late 2007. That complaint had not been formally received by all parties until the last several weeks. Also, department staff were reviewing materials presented by Paris’ attorney. Paris
has already had one win converted to a no-contest and faces the
possibility of two more of his wins being negated with these latest
allegations. If that happens, Paris would almost surely lose his
only significant, and arguably only legitimate, belt even though
WBF officials have declined to comment over the past several months.
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