MMA free agent Ben Askren and Josh Barnett got into a tiff with Josh Barnett. The subject: the UFC Countdown show’s lack of discussion of Barnett’s long and pronounced history of testing positive for anabolic steroids.
Barnett has officially tested positive twice for steroids; the first was after a finish of Randy Couture at UFC 36 as well as before a scheduled with Fedor Emelianenko on an Affliction card. Barnett also tested positive earlier in his career but wasn’t punished for it. And it went like this, slightly edited to make it more conversation friendly:
“Love how the [UFC 164] Countdown show glanced over the fact [Josh] Barnett tested positive for 3 banned substances after Couture fight” — Askren.
“Did I piss in your cheerios or something or do you just like the view from your high chair? Have fun in obscurity” — Barnett
“I won’t even acknowledge VADA. They’re entirely agenda driven and that agenda is NOT sport.” — Barnett
“I know it doesn’t matter to you, but I can look at myself in the mirror and be ok with choices. In 20 years you will have a very hard time doing the same.” — Askren
“Hardly, I lose no sleep at night in the least. You on the other hand have to judge & throw stones just to be relevant. … It must feel terrible knowing that without casting insults my way nothing you say matters. You’re nearly invisible. Rough life. Lastly, go f–k yourself you high & mighty prick. If you want to be famous just come run your mouth next time you see me.” — Barnett
Askren will be cornering Anthony Pettis this weekend at UFC 164 and had the last word, apparently.
“Maybe we will end up in the same locker room Saturday :)”
You can read the whole conversation right here.
