by David P. Greisman

Margaret Goodman, the former chief ringside physician of the Nevada State Athletic Commission who is now the president of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, has responded to criticism about how her organization notified people about Lamont Peterson’s testing positive for testosterone ahead of his May 19 rematch with Amir Khan.

In a statement earlier today, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions complained that VADA had not notified him or members of Khan’s team about the positive test. Schaefer said he did not learn of the test until Monday; Peterson’s team, meanwhile, learned on April 13 that his “A” sample had tested positive and found out on May 2 that his “B” sample had also been positive.

Goodman’s response was obtained by BoxingScene.com and follows below:

“It is important for VADA to carry out its mission consistent with respect for the privacy of the athletes who are tested.

“VADA notified Lamont Peterson and his attorney, Jeff Fried, immediately after Mr. Peterson’s ‘A’ sample tested positive.

“VADA felt that it would be inappropriate for it to notify third parties of the positive test result at that time because there had been no confirmation of it.

“It appears as though Mr. Peterson and Mr. Fried also chose not to notify third parties at that time in the hope that Mr. Peterson’s ‘B’ sample would test negative.

“As soon as Mr. Peterson’s ‘B’ sample tested positive, VADA notified Mr. Peterson, Mr. Fried, and the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“Neither Golden Boy Promotions nor HBO was a signatory to the VADA contract.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter at twitter.com/fightingwords2 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fightingwordsboxing, or send questions and comments to fightingwords1@gmail.com