Promoters Face Severe Penalties
CEDAR BLUFF, Ala. — Promoters of an illegal combat sports event face decades in prison and hundreds of thousands dollars in fines after an event called “The Pit” was shut down by the Alabama Athletic Commission (AAC).
The event took place Sept. 27 near Weiss Lake and was stopped in a joint operation led by the Alabama Athletic Commission and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department.
Chief Inspector for the AAC Shane Sears who lead the task force that shut down the illegal operation, said the AAC acted on a tip about the unlicensed event, which was promoted online. “I can’t stress enough how dangerous these events are. Anyone who knows of illegal activity is encouraged to call our office”, Sears said.
A sheriff’s department drone and live social media feeds confirmed the fights had started before deputies and commission officials moved in. It was determined that minors were also present during the event.
Signs for “The Pit” lined the dirt road to the site, where attendees paid admission and private security in “Pit Staff” shirts monitored the crowd.
Promoters Samuel Weaver and Javin Newsome were identified as organizers. Neither man had the required licenses and permits from the AAC, which by law regulates all combat sports in Alabama including boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts and other unarmed combat sports. State law includes fines of up to $10,000 per violation of AAC rules and regulations.
Evidence from the operation — including photographs, a fight card and video feeds — were turned over to Assistant Attorney General Matt Bledsoe. Officials said the case remains under investigation and may expand to include charges of illegal gambling, racketeering, kidnapping and child endangerment.
If convicted, penalties could add up to decades in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
Also participating in the joint operation were Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, Chief Deputy Josh Summerford, Sgt. Thomas Key and District Attorney Summer Summerford.
The crowd dispersed quickly once the shutdown was announced, and no injuries were reported
