The report this morning from a Virginia newspaper that Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker tested positive for Colombian Dust were confirmed this morning by a high ranking official at Home Box Office.And with that his April 25, fight with WBA champion Ike Quartey is off and the career of the 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, who has won professional titles from 135 to 154 lbs., may have come to an end.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Whitaker's co-manager, Shelly Finkel, said he was notified by Whitaker's lawyer Patrick English that Whitaker had failed a drug test. My HBO source confirmed the report.
English wasn't talking. "I don't have information as of yet. We're waiting it out to see what the situation is."
The now 34 year old was suspended by the Pequot's Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut following his 12 round win over Andrei Pestriaev on Oct. 17, after a single test sample taken indicated Cocaine in Sweet Pea's urine.
English argued the test by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Commission was invalid and the WBA agreed the testing procedure was flawed. An agreement was then reached with the Pequot Commission that reinstated Pernell's boxing license with the provision he be tested randomly for drugs.
Under the terms of a settlement Sweet Pea was tested last Thursday. And unlike the October tests, two samples were taken. Both samples are said to have tested positive for Colombian Dust.
Whitaker, a six-time titilist was unavailable for comment Wednesday. And Finkel said he had not talked to Pernell. The native of Norfolk, VA will be suspended for six months if the test results stand. And the WBA will remove Sweet Pea from their ratings for a minimum of two years.
Besides the problems with Colombian Dust, Pernell has been in trouble with the San Antonio cops after an NBA exhibition there last year. And most recently he was cited for reckless driving in Virginia.
Pedro Fernandez
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