C. Sonnen (photo) recently retired from MMA. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Despite having recently announced his retirement from MMA, Chael Sonnen received a two-year suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission due to recent doping episodes in which he was involved. The North American's case was judged this Wednesday (23), at the entity's headquarters in Las Vegas (USA).
On June 10, it was announced that Sonnen tested positive following a surprise drug test taken at the end of May. In the test, two prohibited substances were detected, anastrozole and clomiphene, which are on the list of prohibitions by WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency. Anastrozole is considered an aromatase inhibitor, also applied after steroid use. Clomiphene helps increase the body's production of testosterone, as Sonnen was a supporter of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which was banned at the beginning of the year.
A few days later, however, the North American was also caught with GH, the growth hormone, and erythropoietin. Growth hormone is an anabolic widely used by bodybuilders, while erythropoietin acts to increase the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the muscles, thus increasing resistance and vigor.
During the hearing, the former fighter never tried to plead his innocence. “I was always a square, I never tried alcohol. For that, I am tremendously sorry and tremendously ashamed. I'm on the commission's side. I'm guilty. That's the way my father raised me: if you're wrong, say you're wrong,” said Sonnen, who also clarified that he only attended the meeting to “take responsibility for his actions.”
Shortly before the verdict was announced, several different punishments were suggested for Sonnen, ranging from a one-year suspension to a lifetime ban. However, a consensus was reached on a period of two years without being able to fight in Las Vegas or different locations, which was unanimously approved by the members of the commission, as it was considered that the athlete's retirement, more the loss of his job as a commentator on North American TV There have already been big enough punishments.
Additionally, Sonnen will work closely with the Nevada Commission to educate fighters about drug testing and help the organization further improve policy on the subject in the future. The American must also reimburse the NSAC for all the costs of the tests in which he was caught. There will be no additional financial punishment.
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