Josh Barnett Weighing Options For CSAC Appeal

MMA Junkie caught up with Josh Barnett as he has only days left to add his name to the agenda to appeal his license denial by the California State Athletic Commission after a positive steroid test:

If he does not, Dodd said, the absence will “not bode well for [Barnett’s] career.”
“That’s a threat, if you ask me,” Barnett countered when told about the comment.
After Barnett no-showed a Feb. 22 CSAC meeting in which his appeal was placed on the agenda, and Barnett’s lawyer, Michael DiMaggio, was not allowed to present his case, Dodd told MMAjunkie.com the commission would make a final ruling on Barnett’s appeal during the April 20 meeting.
Barnett’s manager, Shannon Hooper, said the fighter was unaware his presence was required and was overseas participating in a pro-wrestling match at the time of the Feb. 22 meeting.
Dodd said the CSAC sent a letter informing Barnett that he needed to be at the meeting, but Barnett denies that he received the letter.
“They certainly never called or emailed as well, which they have that information,” Barnett said. “The delays were based on the fact that we requested information and didn’t receive it. The delays are only a course of their own actions.”

I will say again that I’m not sure why I’m supposed to believe that Barnett is serious about getting this overturned if he is choosing to go do pro wrestling matches on the day of his appeal. It would seem to me that Josh would want to be there to be able to answer any questions that the CSAC may have for him.

And the idea that he feels like he’s being threatened when told that he needs to be there if they choose to appeal or have trouble getting licensed is absurd itself. What the AC is doing is simply saying “look, we’ve explained to you several times what you need to do. Either do it right this time, or we’re not going to waste time with you in the future.” Which is exactly what they should do. Josh and his people have delayed the appeal four times already, at what point is enough, enough?