The California State Athletic Commission dropped a one year suspension and $2,500 fine on Chael Sonnen for his failed UFC 117 drug test on Tuesday.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the license of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Chael Sonnen, after Sonnen tested positive for steroids, a banned substance.
A sample from Sonnen’s August 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anaboloic steroid use. CSAC learned of the results September 2 and ordered a second test, which also came back positive for steroid use. CSAC received test results from the second sample on September 14 and suspended Sonnen two days later. He is suspended for one year. Sonnen has 30 days to appeal the decision.
“The use of anabolic steroids and other banned substances are not tolerated by the commission,” said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. “Anabolic agents put the health and safety of both the user and his opponents at risk.”Sonnen’s test was observed in the presence of a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles on August 6, 2010 for processing.
Sonnen faced UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva last month in the headliner of UFC 117. After four-and-a-half rounds of dominating the Brazilian, Sonnen was caught in a triangle submission and was forced to tap ending months of trash talk by the fighter.
Sonnen’s manager, Mike Roberts has stated that his fighter would be appealing the suspension. Sonnen will also appear on this Thursday’s upcoming episode of ESPN’s ‘MMA Live’ to talk about the issue.