MMA Junkie reports that the Nevada State Athletic Commission issued a two-year suspension as at a hearing held on Wednesday.
Sonnen must pay any and all doctors’ fees for the random drug tests he failed on May 24th and June 5th. Additionally, it is expected that he will become a precautionary tale for others and serve as a “resource” for halting future PED use.
There were differing opinions on the penalty for Sonnen as they ranged from a lifetime ban to the 2 year ban.
Sonnen tested for a total of five PEDs prior to his intended July 5th fight with Vitor Belfort. Initially, he claimed the positive test for PEDs related to him coming off of TRT treatment and the fact that he was trying to have children. After the second positive test, Sonnen was terminated from the UFC and his analyst position at Fox Sports.
Payout Perspective:
Fair penalty? Sonnen’s attorney stressed Sonnen’s cooperation with the investigation and the UFC and Fox Sports terminations when contemplating the penalty. Essentially Sonnen threw himself at the mercy of the commission. This strategy seemed to work. Although it’s unlikely Sonnen will return to MMA in Vegas, the two year ban does leave a slim opening. Moreover, he could have been assessed a stiff fine but seemed to have avoided this.
Bellator??