Is it quiet in here, or is it just the utter lack of Chael Sonnen soundbites over the last month? We haven’t heard a peep from the American Gangster since he failed a random drug test for unapproved hormone-regulators, and retired on national television. Then, a second test came up positive for HGH and EPO, and things got really awkward. And so, the man best known for never shutting up has been laying low in Oregon, a ghost, a myth, a spook story that gangsters tell their kids at night.
Following Sonnen’s positive test, the Nevada State Athletic Commission released an amended complaint against the former UFC fighter, which lists the potential punishments that are in store for him: a fine of up to $250,000, the suspension of his license, expenses related to the complaint, and the requirement that he provide a clean drug test upon his next licensing application, which will probably never happen because he’s retired, but still, 250 large, good lord. At least he can afford it, considering he was previously “the highest paid fighter in the business.” [citation needed, obviously]
Yesterday, Sonnen’s lawyer Jeff Meyer submitted his client’s formal response to the NSAC, making it clear that Sonnen has accepted his fate:
“Mr. Sonnen does not dispute any of the factual allegations contained in the First Amended Complaint. Mr. Sonnen accepts responsibility for his actions and will comply with the Commission in the prompt resolution of this matter.”
So yes, Sonnen took those PEDs. He’s not going to blame his doctor or his supplements, thankfully. I’d still be interested in hearing why Sonnen thought he could get away with putting four different unapproved substances in his body, while the NSAC was cracking down on doping — but maybe that will be revealed in his memoirs someday. It’s unreasonable to expect a straight answer from this man.
Sonnen’s case will be heard at a NSAC hearing on July 23rd.