Claressa Shields’ Suspension Lifted, But Marijuana Case Lingers in Michigan
Boxing superstar Claressa Shields, despite having her suspension lifted by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC) last Friday, still faces potential enforcement action stemming from a positive marijuana test taken last month in Michigan. The MUCC regulates boxing in the state, and its order dissolving the suspension contained a crucial caveat: the formal complaint against Shields remains unresolved, leaving the door open for further penalties.
Shields, 29, celebrated the news of her unsuspension on her social media account, X, formerly known as Twitter. "Officially unsuspended!" she proclaimed. "But y’all a little quiet! Y’all was real loud about me ‘supposedly’ smoking marijuana and being suspended! No worries! And still an Undisputed heavyweight champ! I have the Order to prove it!!!"
However, the final line of the MUCC’s order cast a shadow over the victory. "The Order does not resolve the Formal Complaint … and does not close the enforcement action." This statement signifies that while Shields is no longer actively suspended, the investigation into her alleged violation of MUCC rules continues, and further consequences are possible.
Anne Morrell, the newly elected chair of the MUCC, declined to comment on the ongoing matter when contacted by USA TODAY Sports, reinforcing the sensitive and unresolved nature of the case.
The potential ramifications for Shields include a fine and the possibility of having her recent victory overturned. On February 2nd, in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, Shields achieved a significant milestone by defeating Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision and claiming the undisputed heavyweight championship. A positive test, even for trace amounts of marijuana, could jeopardize this accomplishment.
Following the fight, Shields reportedly tested positive for trace levels of marijuana. The MUCC randomly drug tested eight boxers on the card that evening, adhering to its established regulations.
David Slutsker, Shields’ attorney, expressed relief that the suspension had been lifted. "We are happy and relieved that the suspension issue has been resolved in her favor." However, he also conveyed his astonishment that the formal complaint, alleging a violation of MUCC rules due to the positive marijuana test, remained unresolved.
The formal complaint, issued on February 12th, triggered Shields’ initial suspension. It stated that the MUCC had "investigated and determined that sufficient and good cause exists to find that the conduct of Respondent Claressa M. Shields, a licensed professional boxer, constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of the sport of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of a professional requiring emergency action." This strong language underscores the severity with which the MUCC initially viewed the situation.
Slutsker represented Shields at a compliance meeting with Michigan officials on March 6th. He asserted that "the Complaint was most definitely part of our defense presentation. It was in the evidence booklet we presented."
The order issued by the MUCC seemed to acknowledge the information presented by Shields and her team. "Based on the information the Respondent provided at the compliance conference, the Department (of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), on behalf of the MUCC, finds there is no longer immiment threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contest that requires emergency action. … The Department will remove Respondents name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization (Friday)," the order stated. This indicates that the MUCC, based on the provided evidence, no longer believed Shields posed an immediate threat.
Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager, expressed his appreciation for the swift removal of the suspension. "We appreciate the Michigan Commission’s swift elimination of the suspension, and look forward to Claressa getting right back to business as boxing’s GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time)."
Despite the positive development, Slutsker remains uncertain about the next steps required to resolve the formal complaint and avoid further enforcement action. "It’s ridiculous, but it is what it is when it comes to Michigan," he commented. "So we will see how much of a future they have in Claressa Shields fighting – that remains to be seen." This uncertainty casts a shadow over Shields’ future in Michigan.
Shields’ victory over Perkins boosted her record to an undefeated 16-0 and solidified her position as the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion. However, the subsequent controversy has introduced a new layer of complexity to her career.
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has overcome significant challenges in her life. Her rise to fame from poverty and abuse was documented in "The Fire Inside," a feature-length film released on Christmas Day. This latest chapter adds another layer of adversity to her already compelling story.
According to her attorney and Dmitriy Salita, the event promoter, Shields was one of eight boxers subjected to drug testing following the February 2nd event. The MUCC rules dictate that boxers are selected for drug testing randomly.
Shields has stated that a saliva test conducted after her fight against Perkins revealed trace levels of marijuana in her system. However, the actual drug test results have not been publicly disclosed. She has consistently denied using marijuana.
Upon learning about the failed drug test on February 7th, Shields vehemently defended herself against critics who attacked her integrity on social media.
One potential explanation for the positive test is exposure to secondhand smoke. Joe Hicks, one of the other boxers on the February 2nd card, also tested positive for trace levels of marijuana and reported that the smell of the drug permeated various areas of the Dort Financial Center in Flint, where the event was held. Taffet and Salita corroborated this account, stating that they also detected the odor of marijuana at the event.
Victor Conte, who identifies himself as a dietary supplement and training advisor for Shields and whose company, SNAC, sponsors her, suggested that protocol may not have been followed during the administration of the saliva test. This claim adds another dimension to Shields’ defense.
The case remains ongoing, and the final outcome will determine whether Shields faces further penalties, including a fine or the potential overturning of her undisputed heavyweight championship victory. The unresolved formal complaint continues to loom over her career, casting a shadow on her accomplishments and future prospects in Michigan. The boxing world awaits the final decision from the MUCC.
