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As we all know by now, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen's attempt at reinstating his license to fight was rejected by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) by a vote of 4-1.
I feel the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) needs to be changed in regards to how much power a commission should be given when dictating a promotion's relationship with one of its contracted fighters. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and CSAC have clearly advised Mr. Sonnen he is not welcome to fight within their jurisdictions anytime soon.
I respect that due to the circumstances which have become public.
The one issue I do not agree with is taking matters which are not athletic commission-related and holding them against a man who faced a jury already and was sentenced.
Justice was served.
The two main issues with which NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer should address is the fact that Chael used an illegal source of testosterone and lied by stating that he and Kizer discussed the treatment he was receiving for deflated testosterone levels.
The fact that Mr. Kizer is referring to a case which does not affect the commission and its integrity, to me, is mind-boggling.
The NFL just recently went through a case matter with Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Michael Vick that had Vick behind bars for nearly 2.5 years. The NFL suspended Vick indefinitely not based on the fact he violated laws but the rules of player conduct.
What Michael Vick was part of was disgusting seeing as he had millions and could've enjoyed anything he desired but, he chose dog fighting. The main reason he actually went to jail was his affiliation with out-of-state betting.
The NFL clearly didn't condone Vick's actions but never once spoke out on the fact it was dog fighting. It upheld its agreed regulations with the NFL players association to suspend Vick due to his damaging of player conduct.
As the economic issues of America are well known, the crimes committed by Chael Sonnen are intolerable. They are the exact people we should get off the streets and into prisons but, why didn't a jury of his peers (American tax payers facing the same economic crisis) put him behind bars and only deliver a "slap on the wrist?"
If Mr. Kizer wishes he were able to throw away the key on Mr. Sonnen then he should have been in an entirely different line of work. He cannot, as a respectable person of authority, make examples to maybe further his political aspirations or become a "star" at someone else's expense due to issues unrelated to sport.
As a first time offender of performance enhancing drugs (PED's), he should face the same fate of all first time offenders. He should also face punishment for lying about the conversation he allegedly had with Mr. Kizer in regards to the treatment he claims he got an "OK" for.
I also find it sad that if you get punished by the NSAC and CSAC that your practically banned from working many other states due to the fact the "higher ups" disallow you (reciprocity). Until there is one governing body of all the states involved, then you shouldn't be basically placed in limbo and not make a living.
The UFC can't change the place of filming for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14, for which Sonnen was to be a coach, or just hold the fight out of those states for fear of reprisal when returning to those states. It's unfair because other states may have given a timeline or at least allowed him to fight without question.
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