The sports world was shocked Tuesday when we learned that Baltimore Ravens safety and part-time boxer Tom Zbikowski tested positive for marijuana after his fight Saturday. Zbikowski won his bout to improve to 4-0 in his career, but the positive drug test was out of character for him since he’s never tested positive before. Making matters more bizarre was that four other fighters on the same Thackerville, Oklahoma card tested positive for marijuana.
I don’t recall hearing about so many fighters testing positive for the same drug on the same card, so needless to say this was odd. Zbikowski moved quickly to try and clear his name and he took a second drug test today. He reportedly passed the second test and will have the suspension lifted.
No surprise, Zbikowski’s manager vouched for him saying after the positive test “Tom has high moral character. Tom’s body is a temple. He was very hurt that this stain goes on his reputation with these allegations going out there unchecked until he’s able to have his test cleared.”
Even though he tested positive, being cleared so promptly will help his reputation. I’m generally a harsh critic who doesn’t buy excuses but I’m inclined to say there was something wrong with the tests in this case. It’s not often you see so many boxers test positive for the exact same thing. Did they all party together the day before the fight? Doubtful.
The only thing Tommy Z needs to do is tell Bob Arum to keep quiet. When the promoter speculates that the drug entered Zbikowski’s system from “someone at the hotel smoking close to the guys, like a contact high,” it’s not helping his cause. Alberto Contador’s contaminated meat excuse is laughing at that suggestion.
