Chael Sonnen Does Not Dispute NAC Drug Test Allegations, Waives His Right to a Hearing

In light of his second consecutive positive drug test result for prohibited substances, former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen was recently served with an amended complaint filed by the Nevada Athletic Commission, outlining his transgressions from the two positive drug tests.

The first drug test was administered on May 24 in Las Vegas, the second on June 5 in Portland, Ore., resulting in the illumination of five banned substances: anastrozole, clomifene, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human growth hormone (hGH) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO).

In response to the amended complaint, Sonnen responded to the NAC by not disputing any of the complaint’s factual allegations and waiving his right to a hearing.

“Mr. Sonnen does not dispute any of the factual allegations contained in the First Amended complaint. Mr. Sonnen accepts responsibility for his actions and will comply with the Commission in the prompt resolution of this matter. Mr. Sonnen waives his right to a hearing,” read the written response from Sonnen’s attorney, Jefferson G. Meyer, dated July 8.

“However, if the Commission deems it necessary to schedule a hearing, Mr. Sonnen will personally appear, with counsel, to receive any discipline that the Commission deems necessary and appropriate.”

The response did not request any specific favor from the commission, but did go on to outline Sonnen’s willingness to accept responsibility for his actions and pointed out the repercussions that he has already suffered as a result of his transgressions. Sonnen has already severed ties with the UFC by retiring from competition, has been fired from his broadcast-related duties by both the UFC and FOX, and has apparently lost any endorsement deals he once had.

“With regard to any discipline assessed by this Commission, Mr. Sonnen respectfully requests that the Commission consider the following: 1) Mr. Sonnen fully cooperated with this Commission’s testing procedures; 2) When presented with the results of the testing, Mr. Sonnen was honest with Mr. Bennett; 3) Mr. Sonnen did not compete while on the banned substances mentioned in the First Amended Complaint; 4) Because of his actions, Mr. Sonnen’s relationship with the UFC has been terminated; 5) Because of his actions, Mr. Sonnen’s relationship with FOX Network has been terminated; 6) Because of his actions, Mr. Sonnen no longer has any endorsement relationships.”

In the complaint filed by NAC executive director Bob Bennett, Sonnen could be fined as much as $250,000, could have his license suspended (it is currently temporarily suspended), could be required to pay for the expenses related to the proceedings in handling his complaint (including investigative and laboratory costs), and would likely be required to provide a clean drug test if he ever again applies for a license to fight.

Sonnen’s complaint could go before the commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting, which is slated for July 23 in Las Vegas.