0

Chael Sonnen stood before the California State Athletic Commission Wednesday to address the “indefinite administrative suspension” they recently issued him. While most fans thought it was just another ordinary appeal meeting involving the controversial middleweight, Sonnen revealed he would be fired by UFC president Dana White if he didn’t leave Downtown LA with his license.

“If I don’t get my license today, I’m effectively retired. That came from the boss, Dana White,” Sonnen stated.

The 34-year-old also revealed he has a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to coach the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite Michael Bisping. Sonnen said he would then face “The Count” to determine who gets next dibs at champion Anderson Silva’s title.

However, what Sonnen has at stake wasn’t the reason the commission requested today’s special powwow. Although he fulfilled his UFC 117 drug suspension on March 2nd, they felt Sonnen’s recent legal woes and inconsistent comments made during his appeal hearing warranted another conversation.

This past December, Sonnen’s attorneys and physician argued their client had been undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy since early 2008 and had previously disclosed his testosterone usage to Nevada State Athletic Commissioner executive director Keith Kizer.

His clearance through Kizer was one of the primary reasons, if not THE reason, the commission reduced Sonnen’s one-year suspension in half. Kizer did not attend the appeal meeting in Cali, therefore could not refute Sonnen’s claims.

However, Kizer has since done so on multiple occasions and was on hand today via webstream to confront Sonnen.

Sonnen previously claimed “the NSAC told me don’t declare testosterone injections in pre-bout medical questionnaire.” Kizer states that’s completely untrue. The commission never told Sonnen anything of the sort.

Although, Kizer did recall a conversation with Matt Lindland in 2008 regarding exemption, but Sonnen’s name was never brought up specifically. Lindland was Sonnen’s coach at the time and was not at today’s meeting, as he’s currently in Poland.

Sonnen confirmed he never spoke with Kizer or any other commission representatives directly regarding exemption, but was under the impression Lindland had already authorized his TRT use in Nevada and California. His attorney, Steve Thompson, was working hard to establish Sonnen was informed by Lindland that he was cleared in Nevada in 2008.

Before handing down their verdict, Sonnen’s mom addressed the commission in her son’s defense. After visiting doctors with Chael, she was convinced he needs testosterone whether he competes or not. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to get out of bed in the mornings.

However, CSAC attorney Karen Chappelle wasn’t having it. She flatly said Chael Sonnen “always has someone else to blame.” She later added, “I don’t know how you can ever trust him.”

A motion was made for the indefinite suspension to remain intact, which was quickly seconded. The motion to uphold Sonnen’s temporary ban passed with a 4-1 score.

Anthony Thompson was the only member to vote in favor of Sonnen. He wasn’t at the commission hearing last December.

According to ESPN’s Josh Gross, who provided exceptional play-by-play of today’s hearing, an “indefinite suspension” means Sonnen will be sidelined until his license in California expires this June 29th. Any state in which he seeks a license will be asked to contact the CSAC.

Regardless, his career inside the Octagon is over. At least that’s what Sonnen professed today while under oath.