Dixie: “TNA Has a Very Strict Drug Policy”

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TNA President Dixie Carter was interviewed by TNAWrestling.com, and the site has posted part one of the feature, with part two scheduled for Wednesday. In the interview, which you can read by clicking the above link, Carter talks about Kurt Angle, TNA’s drug policy, Bill Goldberg & more.

Some excerpts:

On the negative reaction to Kurt’s signing:
“Am I shocked by some of the negative response? I’m more saddened by it — for Kurt … I know this has hurt him very much … TNA would never sign a talent, or allow a talent to be in a situation to harm themselves more than the risk each of these guys takes every time they step into the ring. I truly believe that every TNA wrestler, referee, broadcaster and front-office employee knows that their health and their family come first. TNA is their livelihood, and they are all very passionate about it, but it is still just a job.”

On Kurt’s health:
“Kurt has been cleared by his team of doctors to wrestle, and I have that verification from the doctors … All past medical and pain medication issues have been addressed in depth and to my satisfaction. We have assembled a team of doctors around Kurt to monitor past injuries and also oversee his health on an ongoing basis … Kurt will personally address specific questions about his past, not me.”

On TNA’s drug policy:
“TNA Wrestling has a very strict drug and alcohol policy, and each contracted talent signs an acknowledgement of the policy set forth. Drug use and alcohol abuse are issues we take very seriously. TNA has the right to conduct random drug-tests and other tests in accordance with government requirements. Violations of the policy are spelled out and failure to comply or failure of a test can result in mandatory drug counseling and treatment, suspension from work without pay, up to and including dismissal. We do not address the specifics of this policy publicly as we are a private company and our talent are independent contractors.”

On going to two hours per week:
“To me, there’s no doubt we are going to two hours; it’s just a matter of when.”

On Bill Goldberg:
“Bill has a lot of exciting things going on in his career right now. TNA would be the perfect place for him to continue those pursuits while stepping back in the ring to write one last chapter of a storied wrestling career. Bill is very talented and he would be another great addition to our roster.”

Part two of the interview promises comments from Carter on Vince Russo, Vince McMahon and more.

Matthew Michaels is editor emeritus of Pulse Wrestling, and has been since the site launched.