(19-05-2011 11:59 )groundnpound Wrote:  I read that Chael sonnen news earlier TDK and it looks he could be finished in MMA.If they're upholding an indefinite suspension on him then where and when does he get to fight again?It puts The Ultimate Fighter show with Bisping straight out the window.Who knows?Is it the Money Laundering thing that's the problem or the test after the Silva fight?He had the problem with his test after the Silva fight but don't think it's that they're banning him for...Think it's the Money Laundering.An action that discredits the sport.They both are.

Quote:After a special hearing on Wednesday, the California State Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to uphold their indefinite suspension of Chael Sonnen for making false statements to the commission in December as well as his criminal conviction for money laundering in Oregon.

The suspension was handed down in late April due to Sonnen providing false testimony to the commission in December that effectively reduced his initial suspension for failing a performance enhancing drug test for his UFC 117 fight with Anderson Silva. Sonnen claimed at that time that he had been cleared for therapeutic use of testosterone replacement therapy by Nevada State Athletic Commissioner Keith Kizer, though he later retracted and said that his then manager Matt Lindland had been the one to speak with Kizer about TRT.

Kizer testified on Wednesday that he had never had a conversation with Sonnen about his testosterone use, and that he vaguely recalled a conversation with Lindland but that Sonnen's name was never mentioned.

Sonnen testified in front of the commission on Wednesday that he had a TUF coaching spot and a fight with Michael Bisping hanging in the balance, and claimed that failure to get his license back in the hearing would effectively end his career. But Sonnen's history of misleading statements and lies to the commission was enough for them to keep the suspension intact.

Sonnen's suspension runs through the expiration of his current license on June 29, but he will not be able to apply for another license for one year from that date. If and when he does, he will have to appear in front of the commission once again. He can also attempt to get licensed by another commission, but as most commissions will adhere to the rulings of their fellow states, it's not likely he'll be licensed by anyone else anytime soon.

The case against Sonnen was argued by California deputy district attorney general Karen Chappelle, who presented Sonnen's testimony in December, as well as numerous interviews he made in the months following the commission hearing. The inconsistencies in his story, as well as the vehement denial from the NSAC's Kizer that he had any conversations with Sonnen, ultimately led to the commission upholding the suspension.

For now, the UFC will look for another set of coaches for TUF 14, which will begin filming next month, and Sonnen's fighting future will be in question moving forward. With no commission likely willing to license him until cleared by California, Sonnen may be out of action until late next summer at the earliest. And if his statements Wednesday are to be believed, it could mean his retirement.

Source: mmatorch.com