Charges Against Din Thomas Dropped

The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell · 11-30-2007, 08:47 PM

Quote:

UFC fighter Din Thomas, who faced up to five years in prison after being arrested and accused of running an illegal cage fighting event, has had all charges against him dropped.

Thomas learned of the news earlier today.

On Oct. 30, the 31-year-old veteran fighter and trainer was arrested for an event he held at his training center, American Top Team Port St. Lucie, on Oct. 19. The event, which included four matches and eight of his students, was attended by at least six police officers.

Thomas was charged with a felony count of running prohibited competitions. One prosecutor explained that Thomas was promoting an activity not sanctioned by the Florida Boxing Commission, which oversees all professional boxing and MMA events in the state.

“Three (police) cars rolled up, and two of them came up on bikes,” Thomas told MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) during a media conference call. “They stuck around for the duration of the event.“

However, the arrest didn’t come for another two weeks.

“In my eyes, if they thought we were doing something wrong, they could have told us right there,” Thomas said. “At the event, there was actually another police officer from another department trying to explain all the rules and that it was a legit event.“

An assistant state attorney told Thomas that the charges were dropped because there was an exception to the law under which he was arrested. Because all of the fighters were students of the school, and because the purpose of the event was to provide training, the law did not apply to him. Additionally, it was determined that money collected during the event was not an admission fee, and instead, was collected for a raffle that was conducted during the event.

Thomas also addressed claims from the arresting officers that he had no medical personnel on hand for the event. Thomas said that the officers asked him if he had “paid” for any personnel, to which he replied no. In fact, six volunteer paramedics were on hand, and a firetruck was parked in front of the training center on the day of the event.

The event, a “smoker,” is common with MMA training centers. They allow inexperienced students to compete in a safe and controlled environment — in front of audiences consisting of family and friends.

Thomas said part of the problem is that amateur MMA bouts are not allowed in Florida, so it’s difficult for aspiring fighters to get the real-world practice they need. In addition to smokers, Thomas has been forced to take his students to Louisiana for amateur fights (where the bouts are legal) because he doesn’t want to rush his students into professional bouts.

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After all, most students need at least a little seasoning before turning professional.

“Everybody is different, so you can’t speak generalities,” said Marc Laimon, a well-known MMA trainer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. “But some guys are good to go after two fights, and some may need up to eight. It depends on a lot of things.“

Thomas said he didn’t really keep in contact with UFC officials about the case because he was hoping it would be resolved quickly. However, he said he and his lawyer — who is a student at the training center — weren’t going to roll over.

“We were willing to fight it to the end,” Thomas said.

Thomas had knee surgery a few weeks ago. During a September UFC Fight Night 11 loss to Kenny Florian, he suffered a torn meniscus, stretched ACL, and a bruised femur and tibia.

“I’m rehabbing and just returned to training this week,” Thomas said. “I’m hoping to return (to the UFC) sometime during the first quarter of ‘08.“

All “Illegal Cage Fighting” Charges Dropped Against Din Thomas -- MMAjunkie.com

I'm Glad. Thomas has improved rapidly sense TUF

subgenius · 11-30-2007, 10:05 PM

This is good news. Good for Din Thomas.

Ring_Raider_07 · 12-01-2007, 08:54 AM

I'm a Din Thomas fan, so I'm glad they were dropped. Can't wait to see him fight in '08.

fullonshred · 12-01-2007, 01:28 PM

I am glad they dropped the charges. From what I have read Din was doing what many gyms do from time to time to get some experience for their fighters and raise a few bucks. War Din!

BlingDogg · 12-01-2007, 01:57 PM

That's great news.