TNA President Dixie Carter comments on Kurt Angle in TNA & drug policy
On Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 4:45 PM EST Ross Forman of TNAwrestling.com has added part one of an interview with TNA President Dixie Carter where she comments on Kurt Angle's signing with TNA, the current drug policy within TNA and Bill Goldberg.
Carter on reaction to negative feedback to Kurt Angle coming to TNA:
"Am I shocked by some of the negative response? I’m more saddened by it – for Kurt. I know this has hurt him very much. TNA would never sign a talent, or allow a talent to be in a situation to harm themselves more than the risk each of these guys takes every time they step into the ring. I truly believe that every TNA wrestler, referee, broadcaster and front-office employee knows that their health and their family come first. TNA is their livelihood, and they are all very passionate about it, but it is still just a job."
On Kurt Angle's current medical condition:
"I have personally met with Kurt and his wife. All past medical and pain medication issues have been addressed in depth and to my satisfaction. We have assembled a team of doctors around Kurt to monitor past injuries and also oversee his health on an ongoing basis."
On TNA Wrestling's drug policy:
"TNA Wrestling has a very strict drug and alcohol policy, and each contracted talent signs an acknowledgement of the policy set forth. Drug use and alcohol abuse are issues we take very seriously. TNA has the right to conduct random drug-tests and other tests in accordance with government requirements. Violations of the policy are spelled out and failure to comply or failure of a test can result in mandatory drug counseling and treatment, suspension from work without pay, up to and including dismissal."
If Kurt Angle's signing to TNA helped iMPACT! move to primetime on Spike TV:
"The deal to move to prime-time on SpikeTV was done prior to signing Kurt. One thing I think is so great about Kurt is that he wanted to be a part of TNA without even knowing that the company was moving to prime-time. He wanted to make that leap because he knew the potential was there and he wanted to be part of making it happen. That’s how much he wants to be a part of TNA."
On the possibility of Bill Goldberg coming to TNA:
"Bill has a lot of exciting things going on in his career right now. TNA would be the perfect place for him to continue those pursuits while stepping back in the ring to write one last chapter of a storied wrestling career. Bill is very talented and he would be another great addition to our roster."
To read the full interview, click here.