The California State Athletic Commission has finally released an official statement on the full details of World Middleweight Title Challenger Chael Sonnen’s drugs test failure at UFC 117. They confirmed that Sonnen had tested positive for steroids, with both his first and second sample showing high testosterone to estrogen (T/E) levels, often a telltale sign of anabolic steroid use. In the official release, the Commission said:
A sample from Sonnen’s August 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anaboloic steroid use. CSAC learned of the results September 2 and ordered a second test, which also came back positive for steroid use. CSAC received test results from the second sample on September 14 and suspended Sonnen two days later. He is suspended for one year. Sonnen has 30 days to appeal the decision.
“The use of anabolic steroids and other banned substances are not tolerated by the commission,” said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. “Anabolic agents put the health and safety of both the user and his opponents at risk.”
Sonnen’s test was observed in the presence of a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles on August 6, 2010 for processing.
UFC Middleweight Chael Sonnen will break his silence and make his first comments about this drugs test failure on Thursday when he speaks to ESPN’s MMA Live.
