The billboard claims a majority of Nevadans support the legalization of marijuana. (Marijuana Policy Project)-
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LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Marijuana policy reform organization Marijuana Policy Project is set to unveil a billboard protesting the Nevada State Athletic Commission's punishment of boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Chavez was fined $900,000 and given a nine-month suspension earlier this month for testing positive for marijuana following a loss in September 2012.
Chavez is preparing a lawsuit to challenge the punishment.
The billboard is set to be unveiled Tuesday at noon at 2001 Western Ave., off Interstate 15 near Sahara Avenue.
The billboard claims a recent poll shows the majority of Nevadans support making marijuana legal and regulating it, imploring lawmakers to "stop driving athletes to drink."
"Issuing such harsh penalties for marijuana does nothing to promote the health and safety of athletes," said Mason Tvert, director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project. "If anything, it puts them in danger by steering them toward using alcohol and away from making the safer choice to use marijuana instead."
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has not issued a statement on the protest.
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