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OTHER NEWS: UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock admits to steroid use
Jun 12, 2010 - 10:42:36 AM OTHER NEWS: UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock admits to steroid use

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock has finally owned up to his failed steroid test from March of 2009. After denying that he took any banned substance for some time, Shamrock appeared on Friday night's edition of "Inside MMA" and admitted he has used steroids during his career.

Shamrock appeared on the show as a guest during the "Fighting Words with Mike Straka" segment. He didn't explain when or how often he had taken them, but did say it's "easy and simple" for MMA fighters to find them.

On a show that also featured former UFC fighter Dennis Hallman making the claim that at least 50% of MMA fighters are using performance enhancing drugs, Shamrock tried to pass the buck slightly to fans.

"When [fans] find out about it, they want to stick their heads in the sand," he said. "No one wants to take responsibility, but everyone wants to see [bigger athletes]."

Shamrock is expected to face Pedro Rizzo in Australia on an Impact FC event in July, and has not fought since being popped for multiple steroids following his victory over the late Ross Clifton at a February 2009 event.

Penick's Analysis: Well, there's no surprise in this admission, as he had already failed a steroid test before. Being involved in the WWE in the late 90's as well, it wouldn't be a surprise if his use goes well back to the beginning of his career. That's such a poor mentality to try to pass the issue on to the fans. There is certainly a segment that has a call for the "larger than life" athlete, but I'd like to think most fans want to see the best compete against the best on an even playing field, which is why those that test positive for banned substances get ostracized by many. At the same time, there's also a segment of fans that doesn't care if athletes are using these drugs or not, they're just tired of everyone denying and getting caught.