Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Thursday issued a statement addressing the growing speculation that he may have engaged in some shady behavior that indicates he covered up failed drug tests.
“As already confirmed by the USADA Statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines,” Mayweather wrote. “I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing.”
As Mayweather mentioned, the USADA also released a statement in the wake of a lengthy story from SB Nation that accuses Mayweather of manipulating the drug testing organization. The USADA said such articles are “riddled with significant inaccuracies” and are based on “unsubstantiated rumors.”
As expected, Mayweather cited his decision to use Olympic-style testing for all of his fights as proof that he is clean.
“Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights,” he said. “As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before.
“I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.”
According to Thomas Hauser of SB Nation, Mayweather does not actually engage in true year-round Olympic-style testing. You can read a good breakdown of all the points Hauser laid out here.
Many people believe that Mayweather is so outspoken about drug testing because he is hiding something. He has perpetuated those beliefs by doing bizarre things like refusing to sign off on a failed drug testing penalty for his fight against Manny Pacquiao.
