From Sherdog:
The California State Athletic Commission on Wednesday upheld the one-year suspension of Antonio Silva at an appeals hearing for the EliteXC heavyweight champion.
Here was Silva's peeps talking to MMA Weekly with their explanation a few weeks back:
Silva's American representative, Alex Davis, maintains that Silva's medical condition of acromegaly, or "gigantism" precludes him from taking anabolic steroids. Acromegaly is characterized by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that produces excess growth hormone. Davis said that Silva's tumor has caused him to produce as much as 20 times the normal amount of growth hormone in the body.
"It would be completely insensible or even dangerous to make use of any other steroids or substances that could worsen that kind of problem," he said.
Following the CSAC's suspension, Davis says he had Silva tested for steroids at the Aegis Sciences Corporation - a facility he says is on the CSAC's approved list of testing facilities - and results were negative.
Davis thinks the red flag arose from Silva's use of Novedex, an over the counter testosterone booster.
"With the commission, you're guilty until proven innocent," he says.
Ironically, Novodex's maker, Gaspari Nutrition USA, warns professional athletes of a possible positive test for steroids.
"We strongly suggest that you discuss use of Novedex with your sanctioning body before using it," the website writes. "With results this powerful, you might be wrongfully accused of 'cheating.'
Fightlinker has had some must read coverage of the Silva situation.