Gracie Opts Against Appealing

Royce Gracie will not appeal the suspension handed down by the California State Athletic Commission after it said the Brazilian legend tested positive for a banned anabolic agent following his win against Kazushi Sakuraba June 2 in Los Angeles.

Gracie had until July 13 to file for an appeal, however the CSAC said on Monday that its office had not received a formal appeal hearing request and as a result the $2,500 fine and one-year suspension, which expires May 30, 2008, are final.

"I did not appeal the decision because I have been in Spain for the last 1 1/2 (months) on vacation with my family, and for me to appeal, I would have to get a lawyer, and then get some experts to run tests and then get more experts to argue with their experts -- or I can just pay $2,500 fine, and sit out for one year," Gracie said via e-mail Monday. "Well, I fight once a year anyway and it's much cheaper to pay $2,500 in fine then $10,000 retainer to attorney's alone. As for my fans, those who believe me, believe me anyway, and those who don't, does not matter what I do, or what I say, they will not believe anyway." ...More?