Wither Goest Thou, Ken Shamrock?
Published by Jim Genia on March 13th, 2009 in Current Events

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“Legacy” is a word that gets thrown around quite a bit whenever a fighter’s mark is left indelibly on the public’s consciousness. For opening the world’s eyes to the realities of limited-rules combat, Royce Gracie has a legacy, while Randy Couture’s legacy is based upon his accomplishments within the cage. And then there’s Ken Shamrock, a pioneer of the sport whose legacy is the role he played in MMA’s early days. Yesterday, the California State Athletic Commission suspended Shamrock for a year for failing a post-fight drug screening stemming from his participation in the February 13th Wargods: “Valentine’s Eve Massacre” show. The offending drugs: three anabolic steroids. Wither goest thou, Ken Shamrock?

The facts of Shamrock’s career are irrefutable. Although his Wargod win was over a grossly under-prepared opponent, it was the former UFC star’s first victory since his 2004 TKO of fellow old-schooler Kimo Leopoldo. What followed were losses to Tito Ortiz (twice), to Kazushi Sakuraba, to Rich Franklin and to newcomer Robert Berry. He is more “name” than threat nowadays, and one can’t help but question whether his heart is even in it. (At the EliteXC: “Heat” weigh-ins in Florida, Shamrock fell easily into the role of heel when he gave opponent Kimbo Slice a shove, but his attitude when the cameras were off was one of disinterest. Last-minute cut and medical disqualification notwithstanding, he was going to be phoning that performance in when the cage door shut). Sadly, his days as a competitor are undoubtedly numbered. But what of his legacy?

Any 45-year-old faced with an impending cage match would likely be tempted to take anabolic steroids to gain whatever edge possible, and Shamrock was slated to face fellow former pro wrestler Bobby Lashley at a March 21st MMA pay-per-view called “March Badness”. And though things like mortgage payments and living expenses could factor into the equation, not everyone would succumb to temptation. According to the California State Athletic Commission, Shamrock did, to the tune of Norandrosterone, Stanozolol and Noretiocholanolone.

MMA Memories sent a request to Shamrock’s camp for an interview and got this response: “Ken Shamrock appreciates your interest and request for an interview. Ken is currently concentrating his efforts on the impending appeal before the California Athletic Commission. He will request an expedited appeal. During his preparation for the appeal, Ken Shamrock will have to postpone all interviews until after the appeal has concluded. In the interim, he appreciates the continued support from the media and his fans.”

As the first American “hero” of the UFC, Shamrock’s place in history is set. But will his lasting legacy encompass his contributions? Or his failings during the twilight of his career?