While UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn wasn't able to attend this past Wednesday's Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing on "Greasegate," that certainly hasn't stopped the Hawaiian from developing a firm opinion.
In a recently released video blog on his official website, Penn blasted NSAC executive director Keith Kizer, and the champ also said he had no desire to ever fight in Nevada again.
"I will say that, for me personally, Keith Kizer can't be trusted," Penn said. "I don't trust him in any way. ... Honestly I have no interest in ever fighting in Nevada or Las Vegas again, and that's all I have to say about that whole situation."
Penn's latest statement was a reaction to the NSAC's recent hearing regarding the lightweight champ's complaint that UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre was guilty of improperly using Vaseline to gain an unfair advantage in their Jan. 31 fight.
The NSAC has yet to take any formal action regarding the complaint, and both Kizer and commissioner Pat Lundvall have openly stated they see no need for disciplinary action.
Penn wasn't able to attend the meeting due to his training schedule in anticipation of an Aug. 8 title defense at UFC 101 with Kenny Florian. Penn's mother videotaped the proceedings, and he elaborated on his feelings in the video blog.
"All that stuff is important to me, but I've got a big fight coming up with Kenny Florian, so I can't concentrate on that too much," Penn said. "But I will say, the athletic commission, from what I understand the whole thing's not finished.
"The athletic commission can do whatever they want. It's Nevada's commission. They can do whatever they want. ... As far as what they're going to do, who knows. We'll see what happens."
Many MMA observers have expressed concern that Penn, a fighter famous for his motivational concerns, may be allowing the ongoing case with the NSAC to affect his preparation for the upcoming fight with Florian.
Penn insisted he was focused on the task at hand.
"Florian's great," Penn said. "He's got good kickboxing, good jiu-jitsu and good wrestling. I know he's good everywhere.
"I've just got to be ready and be on my toes. I know he's good everywhere. I've got to go out and be better than him."
