Strikeforce Brawl: Tennessee Athletic Commission Takes Action
It appears that the Tennessee Athletic Commission has decided to fine and suspend the fighters involved in the post-fight brawl that occurred after the April 17 Strikeforce event at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Loretta Hunt of Sherdog reported that the commission will recommend $20,000 fines and nine-month suspensions for five individuals. The commission, per its protocol, will not identify the individuals until its administrative actions are finalized, either through settlement or hearings. Although the commission has not yet publicly identified the individuals, Sherdog.com has identified four of the five cited as Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields, lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, welterweight champion Nick Diaz, and middleweight Jason “Mayhem” Miller. Nate Diaz, Nick’s younger brother and a participant in the April 17 incident, was not licensed as a cornerman that night and didn’t initially receive a complaint, said his trainer Cesar Gracie in April. However, Gracie indicated Thursday that the younger Diaz brother, who fights for the UFC, received a complaint letter at a later date than the rest. Nate Diaz is scheduled to fight Marcus Davis on August 28, so if Nate receives a three-month suspension the UFC fight plans could be in jeopardy. I doubt seriously that Dana White will post any smiley faces on twitter if this happens….


