Dana White and Chael Sonnen appeared on America’s Pregame on FS1 on Tuesday to tell its side of the story for Sonnen’s failed drug test which takes him out of UFC 175.
Sonnen stated that he would appeal the Nevada State Athletic Commission which is not what was originally reported. As always, Sonnen was a master of persuasion in changing the conversation as to who was ultimately to blame for the failed drug test. While there was some push back by the interviewer, it’s clear that Sonnen was allowed the opportunity to give his side of the story and placing blame on the governing body of Nevada.
Sonnen hammered on key talking points to make his case.
– He took a legal substance to operate within the rules;
– He took the banned substances to become a parent;
– The drugs that he tested positive for are not performance enhancers, not illegal and not anabaloic steroids;
– He made it clear that the drugs were not illegal, but banned;
– He also made it clear that the drugs were taken “out of competition.”
Dana White preceded Sonnen to essentially defend his fighter and blame the Nevada State Athletic Commission for not providing a plan for fighters to come off of TRT. White did place some blame on Sonnen for not calling the NSAC about what his doctors told him.
In addition, Sonnen made an appearance on Jay Mohr’s radio show which is also a part of Fox Sports Radio.
Payout Perspective:
No surprise that Fox, not ESPN, are the ones that help with getting out the UFC side of the story. Sonnen, as always, makes a great case for himself but while he may have viable arguments the overarching issue is that the use of these drugs are against the rules.
The interesting part here is that Sonnen admits to the use of at least 3 drugs (HCG, Anastrozole and Clomiphene) despite just testing positive for 2. We assume the drugs were used for assistance in helping him live without TRT treatments although Sonnen also admitted that he has (or had) fertility issues in trying to have children.
While I may not be a physician with expertise on these issues, I see two simple ways out of this problem for which Sonnen and the UFC now face:
1) Ask the NSAC about ways to be clean without testing positive or request an exemption to any potential banned substances; or
2) Simply not apply for a license until you are able to safely be off of TRT and not test positive for any banned substance.
Sonnen claims that he has not been able to be in contact with the proper regulatory authorities in Nevada but I assume that the UFC could have had enough clout within the state to contact an official and see if it would be possible to seek clarification on becoming compliant after TRT.
Is the Nevada State Athletic Commission at all culpable for banning TRT and then not advising athletes it gave TUE exemptions to a way to become compliant without testing positive for substances which may be on its banned list? This is an interesting question that we may likely see more come out especially if Sonnen does appeal.
Could this be a case where both sides had fault with in one of the biggest problems in this sport?
Didn’t GSP retire based on the UFC allowing and even encouraging their fighters to use illegal performance enhancing drugs behind closed doors?
The fault IMO lies squarely with the UFC, Their stance is heavily grounded on what is legal or illegal according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission regardless of whether it is right or wrong. When TUE’s where granted for TRT by the NSAC the stance of the UFC was “This is perfectly legal and a great example of how sport science can allow older fighters to still compete, as long as you don’t go over the limits everything is cool”, then as soon as TRT was banned their stance changes to “This is wrong and illegal, all athletic commissions need to follow suit & if you are an older fighter maybe you need to retire”.
The UFC has always had the right to make their own special rules, back when TRT was legal and there was all this fan outcry, the UFC could have actually banned its use in their organization regardless of whether it was legal by any commission or not. But what can you expect? The UFC is run by a dumbass so this is normal behaviour for them & are now paying for it.
Is it me or does Dana White look like a pink pig more and more everyday?
Yea Sam, steroids, booze and anti depressants with cause such a look.
Yes the commission are some what responsible. Remember the only reason anyone is supposed to get TRT is if their natural levels are low. You can’t train or fight at a high level with low T. So the commission has to be opportating on the belief that the guys with TRT will NOT be able to get normal levels. Of they could they would have got TRT in the first place. So by banning it they essential knew they were retiring those fighters. What is worse is they force them to fight at unsafe level and possibly unprepared for the fight physically which can also put them at risk. These guys, there only a few all at the end of their career, should have been grandfathered in. The sport would have cleaned itself in 2 years without the commission ending someone’s career. Especially when they supported TRT and any fighter who ised it that long will likely never be the same once they go off it. How many would not have used TRT if they knew the commission would do a 180 a few years later?
Yeah saw the interview…he looks pink and he talks with a little slur…hahaha.stressed out with the ppv rev down….and loan 2015