UFC
UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen reportedly informed CSAC he had taken something that would result in a positive test before UFC 117
Sep 21, 2010 - 9:15:37 AM UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen reportedly informed CSAC he had taken something that would result in a positive test before UFC 117

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

In another twist to Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117 before his fight with Anderson Silva, Sonnen reportedly informed California State Athletic Commission Executive Director George Dodd that he had been taking something that would bring about a positive result on the test.

"He only indicated that he was taking it but he never indicated why," Dodd said to SI.com's Josh Gross. "He just let me know he was taking [something] and that's when I called over an inspector to get it documented. But when you do take it you still have to show a medical reason."

Sonnen tested positive for testosterone levels that were "way above" the normal level, although the actual performance enhancers he was popped for have not yet been revealed. Still, although Sonnen apparently verbally informed the commission about something he was taking, he did not note it on his pre-fight questionnaire, nor did he provide any documentation as to the need for legitimate steroid treatment for a medical reason.

"Whenever you're taking an enhancing drug you have to let the commission know prior to even taking the test that you're taking, and what the medical reasons are why you're taking the drug," Dodd said in Gross' report. "That way we can verify with our commission doctors that the reason you're taking that is the reason you should be on that type of drug. You can't just come in and say, 'Hey, I'm taking this,' and think that's going to get you off."

Sonnen has 30 days to file an appeal, which would then be heard at the Commission's December 2 meeting. If he fails to appeal, his current one year suspension will stick and he'll be subject to a $2,500 fine.

Penick's Analysis: My next question is: did Sonnen test positive for whatever he supposedly informed the commission he was taking? Because with all of the talk of the flu medication and him being sick the week up to the fight, I can see him saying that the medication could cause the positive result; but that's not necessarily what did set the tests off. At the same time, if he said something, and then didn't put it on his pre-fight questionnaire, I don't understand how the commission lets that fight go on in the first place. If you have a guy who is going to fail his drug screening and he tells you as much, how do you let him in the cage? If that positive result leads to a one year suspension, I just don't get how they let him step in the cage in Oakland, then. It's another interesting wrinkle to this story.

RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone; suspension in place until Sept. 2, 2011 if not appealed
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