In the fallout of Chael Sonnen's two recent drug test failures and his retirement from MMA, one of the notable side stories was his upcoming bout with Andre Galvao at Metamoris 4. Most notably, it was the fact that Ralek Gracie and the rest of the Metamoris organizers didn't seem to have any real problem putting a known steroid cheat on one of their cards, even immediately following his drug test failure. Well, if they didn't have a problem with it, it appears the NSAC may, as Jeremy Botter reported, via Twitter, that Sonnen is being threatened with fines as high as $250,000 per failed drug test, if he competes as planned at Metamoris 4.

Multiple sources confirm NAC has threatened to fine Sonnen $250,000 per failed drug test violation if he competes at Metamoris. — Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) August 4, 2014

Sonnen has hired Vegas lawyer Ross Goodman to represent him in the case. — Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) August 4, 2014

I'm waiting on official comments from Metamoris and Goodman. Sonnen's manager deferred to Goodman. — Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) August 4, 2014

Sonnen camp's contention is that grappling is not fighting and suspension shouldn't cover it. — Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) August 4, 2014

Considering that one of the principal re-brandings that BJJ has gone under in the Metamoris organization is the listing of their athletes as "Fighters" and their bouts as a "Fight Card," that advertising may make Sonnen's case that he's "not fighting" a bit more difficult. However, grappling matches in general have not classically been considered sanctioned fights under NSAC jurisdiction, so the NSAC may have to try and set one heck of a precedent if they want to go after Sonnen here. Either way, while Ralek Gracie may not have had any problems with enlisting Sonnen's to help market his next fight card, problems seem to be following in Sonnen's wake. Stay tuned, as we'll be sure to keep you updated with more information as it becomes available.