James Krause and Darrick Minner had temporary suspensions extended by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday pending a full disciplinary hearing that will take place at a later date.
Both the fighter and coach are currently being suspended after Minner lost by TKO in round one at UFC Vegas 64 on November. Due to possible betting irregularities, a deeper investigation is underway into that fight. Minner became a huge underdog in the hour leading up to it.
While that investigation could lead to much harsher sanctions, or even potential criminal charges being filed, Krause and Minner are both currently just under suspension for failing to report the injury. Nevada State Deputy Attorney General Joel Bekker laid out the complaints before the commission including details about why each is facing a suspension.
“Respondent [James Krause] allegedly allowed Mr. Minner to submit a medical questionnaire dated Nov. 1, 2022 and confirmed statement was true and accurate to a representative of the commission on Nov. 4, 2022,” Bekker said at the hearing.
“The respondent is accused of knowing or ought to have known about a serious injury which required medical attention. He reported it to Mr. Minner. Minner also allegedly allowed or encouraged Minner not to report [the injury].. Further, there are ongoing investigations regarding events stemming from and related to that Nov. 5 bout that are yet to be concluded and may bring to light further violations.”
Minner was also under scrutiny for failing to properly report injuries prior to the fight.
“It is alleged that the respondent [Darrick Minner] knew or should have known of substantial injury that required medical attention and reported to the commission,” Bekker said.
“Further, there are ongoing investigations regarding events stemming from or related to that Nov. 5 bout that are yet to be concluded and may bring to light further violations.”
Investigations began almost immediately following the event. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement started investigating the integrity of the bets placed on the bout. They banned all sportsbooks from taking any wagers on Krause and his fighters.
In Canada, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario also ordered that sportsbooks could no longer accept wagers on any UFC bouts due to “betting integrity concerns.”
The UFC then took action to essentially ban Krause from participating in any events moving forward with the promotion while also taking steps to prevent any fighter who works with the retired fighter to compete in the organization. Krause coached numerous athletes who compete in the UFC including interim flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.
“UFC has since advised Krause and the respective managers working with impacted fighters, that effective immediately, fighters who choose to continue to be coached by Krause or who continue to train in his gym, will not be permitted to participate in UFC events pending the outcome of the aforementioned government investigations,” UFC officials stated on Dec. 2.
Minner was also freed by the UFC from his contract.
The investigation is ongoing, but Krause and Minner remain in Nevada while the matter is resolved.
Typically, all athletic commissions honor suspensions from other states. This means that Krause and Minner won’t be able receive licenses until the situation has been resolved.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/14/23509359/james-krause-darrick-minner-suspended-nevada-pending-full-disciplinary-hearing-betting-investigation?rand=96749
