B.J. PENN'S lawyer Nahabedian talks about GSP's cheating [Archive]

chief108

18-03-2009, 11:00

The Nevada State Athletic Commission took no formal action in the review of St. Pierre vs. Penn 2 at a public meeting on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

After lengthy testimony from both camps, including Penn and his mother, NSAC Commissioner Bill Brady promised to take under advisement several of the issues brought forth by the controversial fight.

Before the proceedings began, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer clarified that no disciplinary measures would be taken during the meeting, and the review’s role was to present findings given to him by both parties. The Commission would decide any further action.

The Commission first heard from St. Pierre’s cornerman, Phil Nurse, who apologized for applying Vaseline to St. Pierre between the first and second rounds of the superfight. Fellow cornerman and St. Pierre trainer Greg Jackson followed, admitting an oversight in the roles of he and Nurse on Jan. 31, adding that he was open to a possible rule change that put the application of grease in Commission officials' hands.

The Commission then reviewed footage from UFC cameras that focused on St. Pierre’s corner between rounds.

Afterwards, Penn’s lawyer, Raffi Nahabedian, outlined the points of Penn’s 20-page complaint to the commission, asking for a more detailed review of its contents.

Penn also made a statement, giving his recollection of the before, during, and after of the fight. While shying away from accusing St. Pierre directly, he questioned why the UFC welterweight was not in attendance.

Penn’s mother, Lorraine Shin, read a statement where she accused the Commission of not doing its duty to protect fighters.

Commissioners Brady, Pat Lundvall, Raymond “Skip” Avansino, Jr., and John Bailey peppered the participants with questions throughout the meeting. A persistent inquiry from commissioner Lundvall was on the existence of substances that could be ingested that could make an opponent greasy during a fight. She also asked for suggestions on possible rule changes to NSAC statutes that may prevent future controversy.

A video presentation prepared by Penn’s camp was not viewed due to time constraints on the meeting.

“It’s up to the commission to decide how much further they want to formally go on this,” Kizer said afterwards. “They could make regulatory changes, they could issue some sort of directive to me or the inspectors or referees to handle situations differently,” he said.

However, Kizer maintained he would not issue a complaint against St. Pierre or his camp.

“I have no plans to bring anything against anybody in this case,” he continued.

At the meeting's end, Penn and his representatives said they were unsure of their next move.