Is Hiring a Surveillance Expert the Best Way to Catch a Drug Cheater’s Wandering Eye?
When Jeff Novitzky, former FBI agent and current UFC drug testing boss, announced that George Piro, a recently-retired FBI Special Agent in Charge, would be overseeing UFC’s new drug testing program in conjunction with Drug Free Sport, the first question that came to mind was:
Raising Some Eyebrows
Last week’s press conference announcing UFC’s departure from Travis Tygart and USADA in favor of hiring a former FBI boss led to some raised eyebrows. The media echoed UFC’s talking points about the man who interrogated Saddam Hussein. The adamant response from Mr. Novitzky to anyone questioning the credentials of Mr. Piro caused a stir.
John Morgan tweeted, “Passionate response from Jeff Novitzky when I asked about need for…”
The Need for Transparency
The need for transparency in UFC’s drug testing program is paramount. With the new program, the UFC aims to make sure that athletes are not taking any banned substances and that they are competing on a level playing field.
The hiring of a former FBI agent to oversee the drug testing program is a step in the right direction. However, the UFC must also ensure that the new program is open and transparent.
Conclusion
The hiring of a former FBI agent to oversee the UFC’s drug testing program is a positive move, but it is only one part of the puzzle. The UFC must also make sure that the program is open and transparent in order to ensure that athletes are not taking any banned substances and that they are competing on a fair playing field.
