Chael Sonnen is out. UFC and FOX Sports cut ties after latest failed drug tests

MMA H.E.A.T.

The UFC and FOX Sports organizations announced today the termination of their respective broadcasting services agreements with analyst Chael Sonnen. This decision comes in light of Sonnen failing a second test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission for banned substances in June. Sonnen was previously under temporary suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for failing an initial test conducted in May.

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I think this just a smokescreen, to be honest. After all, who really cares if a commentator is on P.E.D.'s? If all he's doing is commentating, who cares if he roids up to 300 pounds?

I think the real issue here is his plans to fight a grappling fight for Metamoris.

 http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/chael-sonnen-returns-for-a-grappling-super-fight-in-august-061914

IRONHORSE wrote:

I think this just a smokescreen, to be honest. After all, who really cares if a commentator is on P.E.D.'s? If all he's doing is commentating, who cares if he roids up to 300 pounds?

I think the real issue here is his plans to fight a grappling fight for Metamoris.

 http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/chael-sonnen-returns-for-a-grappling-super-fight-in-august-061914

They were reporting earlier that they were going to air the matches on Fight Pass. Now it is just a possibility. Either way, I think they are just trying to distance themselves from PEDs.

I'm a bit surprised at this news.

I kinda agree with IronHorse... what does TRT or HGH have to do with an individual's performance at the anchor desk or his color commentary duties ?

...then again, I see Damon's point as well, as far as distancing themselves from PEDs, TRT, and HGH.

If this is how they're going to deal with PEDs, TRT, and HGH, then they need to be consistent across the board... cut all fighters from the UFC who have failed pre and post fight drug tests, and those who refuse or have refused to be tested.

I'm gonna miss Chael on the UFC Tonight and post event shows... I don't agree with cutting broadcast talent, especially a non-UFC fighter from his broadcasting duties for this reason.

Yeah. They really should have kept him on as a commentator, but understand why they had to distance themselves.

After the show, I went and double checked both his Facebook and Twitter feeds - and he hasn't responded with anything, since he was axed as a commentator. I will be very interested to see what he has to say, when he does respond.

It looks like DFW might be softening on his firing of Chael Sonnen, and Chael just might get a second chance.

Quote :

DFW Said :

“I care about the guy very much, and hopefully… you know, it all depends on how he handles it. America’s a very forgiving place for guys who do the right thing. And you see what happens with the guys who dig their heels in and try to battle – it doesn’t work out well for them.”

In my opinion, Chael deserves a second chance... he's no longer fighting in MMA or for the UFC.

It was a rash decision to cut the best MMA broadcast talent that the UFC and FOX has right now.

Rich Davie wrote:

It looks like DFW might be softening on his firing of Chael Sonnen, and Chael just might get a second chance.

Quote :

DFW Said :

“I care about the guy very much, and hopefully… you know, it all depends on how he handles it. America’s a very forgiving place for guys who do the right thing. And you see what happens with the guys who dig their heels in and try to battle – it doesn’t work out well for them.”

In my opinion, Chael deserves a second chance... he's no longer fighting in MMA or for the UFC.

It was a rash decision to cut the best MMA broadcast talent that the UFC and FOX has right now.

As you can see by this statement, it was all politics.

Like I've said before, I'll be waiting to see what Chael has to say, when he breaks his silence.