Morton Tests Positive for Steroids

Former NFL football player Johnnie Morton (Pictures) has tested positive for anabolic steroids following his mixed martial arts debut on June 2, California State Athletic Commission Executive Officer Armando Garcia informed Sherdog.com Wednesday afternoon.

Knocked out in 38 seconds by the Ivory Coast's Bernard Ackah (Pictures), Morton was carried out of the ring on a stretcher. The 13-year NFL veteran declined to take a post-fight drug test and was immediately placed on indefinite suspension. As part of the state's anti-doping policy, the CSAC also withheld his $100,000 purse.

In order to receive a license to fight, Morton, 35, was required to undergo a pre-fight urinalysis. According to Garcia, Sample A came back as positive for a "very elevated T/E ratio, which is testosterone. And that is 83.9 -- the normal industry standard for an athlete is 6."

Garcia said Sample B confirmed the results, and "that is consistent with anabolic steroid use."

Morton faces the revocation of his license as well as a maximum $2,500 fine. Disciplinary action is on hold until the CSAC receives the results for Morton's drugs of abuse tests. Garcia said Morton was notified via letter several days after the fight, and that he has 10 days to respond if he wishes to receive a hearing in front of the commission. As of Wednesday afternoon, Morton had not responded.

Calls to Morton's agent were not immediately returned.