Today the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) released its first official statement regarding Chael Sonnen’s failed drug screening following his loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 117.
California State Athletic Commission Releases Official Statement Regarding Chael Sonnen
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 anabolic 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 will make his appeal later this year when the CSAC meets Dec. 2 in Sacramento, but looking at the facts it looks like it could be pretty hard sell.
MMA FIghting contacted representatives from the CSAC, but they refused to answer follow up questions until the legalities are sorted out.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), a T/E ratio of greater than 4-to-1 indicates steroid use. CSAC testing is done through the UCLA Olympic Analytical Lab, a WADA-accredited facility.
I don’t see how Sonnen escapes this suspension. While fighters like Sean Sherk have been able to somewhat successfully argue to have their suspensions reduced, I don’t expect Sonnen to be so lucky.
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