MONTREAL -- Mixed martial arts star Georges St-Pierre says the Ultimate Fighting Championships hesitant position when it came to stiffer drug testing greatly influenced his decision to take a break from the octagon. St-Pierre said Tuesday a lack of strenuous drug testing was one of the factors that led to his decision to step away from the sport. "It bothered me greatly, it was one of the reasons I decided to step aside," St-Pierre said Tuesday. He vacated his welterweight title and took a hiatus from the sport in December, citing a need to lead a normal life and deal with mental fatigue. The 32-year-old confirmed when asked by a reporter that his employer, the UFC, did not support him when he proposed drug testing in the weeks preceding his Nov. 16 fight against Johnny Hendricks. St-Pierre stepped away following UFC 167 where he won a controversial split decision over Hendricks. After that fight, he said he needed time away to sort out some personal issues. The star fighter was prudent in his comments Tuesday, being careful not to point fingers at any one person or fighter. He stressed he wasnt accusing anyone of steroid abuse. St-Pierre said he wanted to bring the sport he loves to "another level" of testing and help those who are honest in the sport. "I tried to change things, and unfortunately, maybe for money reasons, maybe for image, they were not ready to do that," St-Pierre said. "I tried to (bring about) change in a very diplomatic way and it didnt work so its unfortunate, but I believe it will happen sooner or later." The former welterweight champion said he hasnt made a decision to retire and added hes in top physical condition and still trains regularly. While he has remained vague about a comeback, St-Pierre says the break has made him a better fighter because hes not feeling any external pressure. He repeated he hasnt set any timetable to make a decision regarding his UFC future. St-Pierre said implementing drug testing is not a condition for any potential return to the sport. He added he could understand the reticence from the organization -- a failed drug test could dramatically change a card and result in people losing money. St-Pierre was in Montreal handing out bursaries for athletic excellence. "I feel very good, I feel very happy," St-Pierre said, appreciating a holiday season with his family and being able to have a few drinks. T... Glass Jersey . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Rick Nash Rangers Jersey . Ouellette, from Montreal, already has three Olympic gold medals since joining the team in 1999. B... Leetch Rangers Jersey . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. Tie Domi Rangers Jersey . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net.The Montreal Canadiens return home to the Bell Centre to face the Carolina Hurricanes for the second straight night. The Habs, who beat the Hurricanes 6-0 Friday night at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, have decided to keep some of their young players in the lineup once again. Jarred Tinordi, Greg Pateryn, Michael McCarron, Magnus Nygren, Sebastian Collberg, Michael Bournival, Christian Thomas and Darren Dietz are among the prospects head coach Michel Therrien decided to dress for a second consecutive night. Veteran players likes Tomas Plekanec, Rene Bourque and Andrei Markov wwill make their first appearance this pre-season.dddddddddddd. "I think the coaching staff wanted to wait a little longer to play us older guys so they can have a better look at the younger players," Bourque said after taking part in the Habs morning skate. Travis Moens name has been added to the injured list after missing practice for the second time on Saturday. The Canadiens confirmed that Moen is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Francis Bouillon rejoined his team Saturday morning after missing Thursdays practice with a lower-body injury as well. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '