“Maybe Somebody Spiked His Tequila”: Victor Conte Slams Ryan Garcia’s Contaminated Supplement Excuse
In a fiery and unrelenting attack, Victor Conte has vehemently dismissed Ryan Garcia’s claims of supplement contamination, suggesting instead that Garcia’s defense is nothing more than an excuse. The former BALCO founder took to social media to voice his skepticism, as Garcia continues to battle allegations of PED abuse that have cast a shadow over his recent victory against Devin Haney.
The Allegations and the Fallout
Ryan Garcia, known as ‘KingRy,’ tested positive for the banned substance ostarine on April 19 and 20, just before his high-stakes fight with ‘The Dream’ Devin Haney. Despite securing a notable win, the celebration was marred by the subsequent revelation of his positive test results. Garcia and his legal team have pointed to supplement contamination as the culprit, but this explanation hasn’t sat well with everyone, especially not with Victor Conte.
Conte, a prominent figure in the world of sports nutrition and a former convict for his role in the BALCO scandal, lambasted Garcia on his X handle. “Maybe @ryangarcia should have his TEQUILA tested to see if that was his source of ostarine contamination. He has blamed everybody & everything else. Maybe somebody spiked his tequila before the fight with @realdevinhaney,” Conte wrote. His cutting remarks were accompanied by a YouTube video compilation of his previous statements on the matter, underscoring his disbelief in Garcia’s defense.
Conte’s Relentless Criticism
In the video shared, Conte systematically dismantled Garcia’s claims, suggesting that the lightweight boxer’s legal team has failed to provide convincing evidence to the boxing community. “Victor Conte ‘ROASTS @ryangarcia’ contaminated supplement excuse. This is an up-to-date summary on the ‘Was it Conte or Contamination?’ debate. Seems that an attempt to ‘dupe the world of boxing’ by Team Ryan Garcia has failed miserably,” he added.
“Maybe @ryangarcia should have his TEQUILA tested to see if that was his source of ostarine contamination. He has blamed everybody & everything else. Maybe somebody spiked his tequila before the fight with @realdevinhaney.” Conte wrote.
“Victor Conte “ROASTS @ryangarcia” contaminated supplement excuse. This is an up to date summary on the “Was it Conte or Contamination?” debate. Seems that an attempt to “dupe the world of boxing” by Team Ryan Garcia has failed miserably,” Conte added.
Legal and Regulatory Consequences
The New York State Athletics Commission (NYSAC) is currently reviewing the case and will determine the severity of Garcia’s punishment. Under the strict liability offense rule for PED abuse, intent is not a factor in deciding penalties, which means Garcia could face a significant ban unless he can prove accidental ingestion of ostarine. If he succeeds, he might receive a lighter sentence and a fine, without his victory being overturned.
However, NYSAC isn’t the only hurdle Garcia faces. The WBC, which sanctioned the Garcia-Haney fight, has also initiated its own investigation. In a recent statement, the WBC requested more information from Garcia and his team, setting a deadline for the end of this month. The organization is also delving into the pharmacological properties of ostarine to better understand the test results.
The Boxing World Reacts
Conte’s outspoken critique has sparked a broad range of reactions within the boxing community. Some view his comments as a necessary call for accountability, while others see them as harsh and unsympathetic. This isn’t the first time a high-profile boxer has faced such allegations. Amir Khan, for instance, served a two-year ban after testing positive for ostarine, raising questions about whether Garcia might face a similar fate.
The Road Ahead for Garcia
Ryan Garcia, who boasts a 25-1 record, finds himself in a precarious position. His career, reputation, and recent triumph are all under intense scrutiny. As he awaits the outcome of the NYSAC and WBC investigations, Garcia continues to maintain his innocence, insisting that the positive tests were the result of tainted supplements.
Editor’s Take
Victor Conte’s relentless criticism of Ryan Garcia highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding PED allegations in boxing. While Garcia’s claims of contamination are plausible, they must be thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the sport. Conte’s remarks, though harsh, underscore the need for transparency and accountability. As the boxing world watches closely, the outcome of this saga will have significant implications for Garcia’s career and the sport’s approach to doping.
As the investigations proceed, the boxing community eagerly awaits the final verdict, which will undoubtedly influence the future landscape of the sport. Will Garcia emerge vindicated, or will he face the same fate as others before him? Only time will tell.