"I DON'T NEED ANYBODY TO TELL ME TO DO IT OR GIVE ME PERMISSION, I JUST WANT TO FIGHT"

The above quote is from disgraced Heavyweight Josh Barnett from tonight's episode of Inside MMA on HDNet. The story of Josh Barnett and State Athletic commissions not being on the same page is pretty extensive with his latest failure causing the death of Affliction. Through all of this, Barnett has maintained his innocence and has tried to skirt the blame on other parties, from testing labs to the Athletic Commissions to the Promotions. His failure in the UFC he believes was set up by the Zuffa ownership and he maintains that he didn't kill Affliction, that it would have died any way. 

Unfortunately for Josh Barnett, when you fight within the borders of the United States in regulated shows, you are bound by the rules and regulations of the State Athletic commissions. The above quote is referencing his latest flaking in California on an extension he requested to be relicensed. He has repeatedly requested an extension for his hearing only to no show. At this point, getting licensed in California is all but impossible. It would be safe to assume that Nevada and New Jersey, the other two main Commissions will look at the California situation and not grant Barnett license either. 

This quote shows complete arrogance not just to the legislative bodies but also towards the people who have spent their Saturday nights either staying in or going out to a bar to watch fights. Josh Barnett doesn't care that you stay up and watch fights in Japan. He has a total disregard for anyone besides himself but can't admit his own shortcomings. I'm done with Josh Barnett. I'm done with the Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament as Scott Coker is now required to go "commission shopping" to find a place for Barnett to compete. And speaking of Coker, if I'm Scott Coker, I'm furious right now. He put his credibility on the line saying he was "sure that Barnett would be licensed in California and that there was nothing to worry about". That's not the direct quote but it's extremely close. Not only did Barnett make a fool out of us, but the biggest fool is Coker, who now needs to explain why Barnett is competing in Texas. 

There is an old saying in Texas. "Fool me once, shame on..shame on you. But if you fool me can't get fooled again."