Official Statement Released by the California State Athletic Commission Regarding Chael Sonnen

Finally. After bits and pieces of information coming out about this story, the CSAC has released an official statement on the Chael Sonnen steroid matter:

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the license of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Chael Sonnen, after Sonnen tested positive for steroids, a banned substance.

A sample from Sonnen's August 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anabolic 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.

That's via MMA Mania and it's about time. This should have happened sooner and I'm in the camp that thinks they handled this poorly in terms of how information has been released since news broke of Sonnen's positive test. They didn't give specifics on the T/E count but I'm sure we'll get that soon enough. As was reported before, Sonnen is going to appeal the suspension. The UFC has acted swiftly to find a replacement opponent for Silva, pulling Vitor Belfort out of his fight with Yushin Okami; likely because of Sonnen being suspended. That's says a lot about how the UFC feels on the situation.