Former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. received a nine-month suspension and $900,000 fine from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for testing positive for marijuana on Sept. 15 after his last fight, which he lost to Sergio Martinez. He also failed a drug test in 2009.
Update: On June 28, Chavez's fine was reduced to $100,000.
Chavez's manager Bob Arum says his client smokes pot for insomnia.
In a petition at change.org, the Marijuana Policy Project is calling on the NSAC to "drop the penalties against Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and stop driving athletes to drink with excessive punishments for using marijuana!"
The Mexican-born fighter has a record of 46-1-1. His only loss is to Martinez.
