MMA GSD For May - RIP Francisco, King of the Douchebags

[Fizzy]

Well, this sucks.... Big hater of the guy, but he is so damn entertaining.

 

[Mr. Steve]

Oh, goddammit. This just sucks. So he's not eligible to fight again anywhere else, or what? I never understood that.

 

[X]

So silly. White collar crimes shouldn't bar you from fighting other people for money.

 

[Fizzy]

I think Sonnen said he would be retired if his license was suspended.

He wasn't suspended for his fraud, he was suspended for his testosterone levels I believe. I may be wrong though as I haven't really been following this.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Basically, he was getting called into question for lying to the CSAC regarding testosterone use.

He would have coached TUF against Bisping, winner getting a title shot.

Dana told him if he couldn't get re-instated, he might as well retire. California and Nevada have him under suspension, all the commissions essentially work together, which is why Josh Barnett being in the Strikeforce Tournament is so stupid. He essentially can't fight in the United States.

Sad day for MMA.

Here we go with live tweets from Josh Gross of ESPN and MMA Junkie's Steven Marrocco after the jump.

Star-divide

MMAjunkieSteven At Chael Sonnen's CSAC hearing...it's cramped. Only one commissioner has found the Executive Officer's conference room.
JoshGrossESPN NSAC executive director Keith Kizer to testify via streaming video. Sonnen and CSAC exec. officer George Dodd will also be witnesses.
MMAjunkieSteven Deputy DA Karen Chapelle making opening statement. Laying foundation of CSAC's suspension. Statements to Kizer on center stage...

JoshGrossESPN First sniping between lawyers re: entry of evidence of Sonnen's statements in interviews. The state wins this one. The clips will be heard.
MMAjunkieSteven Objection overruled on introducing clip. Watching clip from Sonnen's Dec. Hearing
MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen interview with Inside MMA being played now.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen's attorney Steve Thompson says the felony conviction in Oregon should play no part in his licensing in California. Eloquent opening.

MMAjunkieSteven Thompson reveals Sonnen is under consideration to coach next season of tuf and fight bisping in no 1 contender bout.
JoshGrossESPN Keith Kizer is being sworn in now.
JoshGrossESPN Fancy moving camera by remote control allows Kizer to see Sonnen's attorney Thompson. Money well spent, California.
JoshGrossESPN Kizer recalls a conversation with Matt Lindland in 2008 re: therapeutic use exemption. But Sonnen's name wasn't brought up specifically.
MMAjunkieSteven Thompson now crossing Keith Kizer.
MMAjunkieSteven Kizer denies calling Sonnen a liar and fraud in March meeting re: seconds license for TUF. Chaplains objects to line of questioning.

JoshGrossESPN Chapelle objects to Thompson's questions re: when & what Keith Kizer knew. Said issue is what Sonnen knew, not what Kizer or Lindland knew.

JoshGrossESPN Thompson is working hard to establish that Sonnen was informed by Matt Lindland that he was cleared in Nevada in 2008.

JoshGrossESPN Kizer just name dropped me. Good times. He's being asked about denying conversations with Sonnen related to TRT, use exemptions.

MMAjunkieSteven The dude sitting next to me, one Josh gross, makes appearance on the record in relation to exchange bn Dodd and Kizer at dec. hearing.
JoshGrossESPN And @arielhelwani gets a mention. It's a media party. @MMAjunkieSteven is jealous.

JoshGrossESPN Sonnen is taking the oath, he's testifying now.

MMAjunkieSteven Chael is testifying now. Chappelle asking him what he's done to rehabilitate himself.

JoshGrossESPN Too bad Matt Lindland is in Poland. His name is being brought up a lot.

MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen says he's comfortable with testimony in Dec. Hearing.

JoshGrossESPN Sonnen is very understated. He said he never intended to make it sound like he had a conversation with Keith Kizer.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen said Lindland made it sound to him as if he was cleared for TRT in Nevada and California.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen affirms he never spoke with Kizer, other commission director or a commissioner re: TRT or a use exemption.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen stands by his testimony on Dec. 2.
MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen said he rec'd none of kickback money re: real estate fraud case.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen said UFC would give him a job 18 days from now. "A once in a lifetime opportunity to be a coach on The Ultimate Fighter."
JoshGrossESPN The winner of the fight between coaches (Michael Bisping) would earn a title shot against the UFC middleweight champion.
MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen says he's handling licensing matters himself now in wake of suspension.
JoshGrossESPN "If I don't get my license today I'm effectively retired. That came from the boss, Dana White." -- Chael Sonnen
MMAjunkieSteven Chael: I don't want to retire today

MMAjunkieSteven Chael: I am just asking you to go back to work.
JoshGrossESPN "I worked for this chance my whole life. I don't want to retire today." Chael is welling up. He's talking about himself.
JoshGrossESPN Commissioner Anthony Thompson asks for details on the real estate plea. "We did not set out to break the law."
MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen answering questions about real estate case.

JoshGrossESPN Commissioner Christopher Giza gets to the "veracity" of Sonnen's comments. JoshGrossESPN Dr. Giza has consistently been the best commissioner in California for years. He's going after Sonnen on inconsistent statements.

MMAjunkieSteven Commissioner Christopher Giza says Sonnen has given contradictory statements that call into question his truthfulness and rehabilitation
MMAjunkieSteven Dr. Van Lemons asks Chael about his testosterone usage.
MMAjunkieSteven You couldnt imagine a Chael Sonnen more different now than the one we've grown to love (and hate)

JoshGrossESPN Sonnen says he understands he need testosterone therapy for his "survival." Has testosterone of "93-year-old man."
JoshGrossESPN Dr. Van Lemons asks about Sonnen's TRT treatment, what he's taking and how he's taking it. Sonnen said he's monitored at least 2x a month.
MMAjunkieSteven You couldnt imagine a Chael Sonnen more different now than the one we've grown to love (and hate)
MMAjunkieSteven Sonnen says he still takes testosterone, Lemons says he needs second opinion on its use
JoshGrossESPN Dean of the commission, John Frierson, is speaking now: "It's very hard for me to believe in your second chance."
JoshGrossESPN Tone of the commissioners suggests they will not rule favorably for Sonnen. But they've fooled me before. Testimony is wrapped.
JoshGrossESPN Actually, Sonnen's testimony is wrapped. Sonnen's lawyers are asking to examine George Dodd (CSAC exec. officer). And they're allowed.
MMAjunkieSteven We're back. Thompson asks to call George Dodd to testify on whether any athlete has previously been suspended for white collar crime
MMAjunkieSteven Chappelle objects but Thompson gets to question Dodd, who says nobody under his watch has been suspended for white-collar crime.
MMAjunkieSteven Evidence to be entered into record now being discussed.
JoshGrossESPN So far no question/mention re: what UFC officials knew about Sonnen's TRT therapy. UFC Dr. Davidson declared last Dec. he was told in 2009.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen's camp is attempting to enter a declaration from Matt Lindland. Chappelle asks it to be stricken & Calif. won't allow it into record.
MMAjunkieSteven Matt Lindland's declaration not entered in it's entirety into the record.
MMAjunkieSteven Closing arguments begin. Chappelle
JoshGrossESPN Chappelle: Sonnen "always has someone else to blame."
MMAjunkieSteven Chappelle says commissions should stick together. "I don't know how you can ever really trust him."
JoshGrossESPN "I don't know how you can ever trust him," she says. Chappelle is weaving a picture of Sonnen as someone who does not tell the truth.
JoshGrossESPN Thompson: Sonnen made mistakes but is a "fundamentally good person." Reiterates that Sonnen's testimony was based on what Lindland told him.
MMAjunkieSteven Thompson wishes in hindsight that they'd spent more time in previous hearing clarifying interactions with NSAC
JoshGrossESPN Thompson said this shouldn't be "a game of gotcha" and asks commissioners to consider White's words that no license means Sonnen is done.
JoshGrossESPN Thompson is talking up how much UFC supports Sonnen through their willingness to put him on TUF and a potential title fight.
JoshGrossESPN Commissioners will deliberate now.
MMAjunkieSteven CSAC discussing options for what to do with Sonnen's current suspension.
JoshGrossESPN Not sounding great for the Sonnen camp. We'll get a decision here soon.
MMAjunkieSteven From what I'm hearing so far in deliberations, it's really not looking good for Sonnen
JoshGrossESPN Dr. Van Lemons gets back to testosterone use. Said he has serious issues of allowing its use in competition. Completely agree with that.
MMAjunkieSteven All commissioners agree that Sonnen's conviction and statements to commission do constitute discredit to MMA
MMAjunkieSteven Commissioner Hernandez issues motion to uphold indefinite suspension, and it's seconded quickly
JoshGrossESPN Public comments are being made. A woman, Marika Taylor, speaks passionately on behalf of Sonnen. As does attorney Raffi Nahabedian.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen's mother is speaking.
JoshGrossESPN She said she went to doctor w/ Chael and is convinced he needs testosterone whether he competes or not. Just to get out of bed in morning.
JoshGrossESPN Sonnen's mom (sorry, she didn't give her name): Did he really lie the last time he was here?
MMAjunkieSteven Commissioners vote 4-1 to uphold chaels suspension.

 

[Mr. Steve]

I think Sonnen said he would be retired if his license was suspended.

He wasn't suspended for his fraud, he was suspended for his testosterone levels I believe. I may be wrong though as I haven't really been following this.

goddamn it who the fuck will hype fights and call Ed Soares on being an asshole (paraphrasing here)?

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Honestly, I think Sonnen ends up in the WWE by the end of the year.

 

[X]

Honestly, I think Sonnen ends up in the WWE by the end of the year.

That could be both the greatest and lamest thing to ever happen.

 

[Fizzy]

[YOUTUBE]ORBokleaT4c&feature=feedwll&list=WL[/YOUTUBE]

Capoeira is serious.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Fast-forward to 8:40 for the greatest end to an MMA fight ever.

 

[Super Hans]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBXSQ33LL7Q&feature=player_embedded#at=142

I just love this, its been about for a while but for anyone that hasnt seen it, its well worth a watch for the lulz.

 

[Uncle Chester]

The California State Athletic Commission today reversed a decision to treat Chael Sonnen's indefinite suspension as a license revocation, which clears the way for the onetime middleweight contender to apply for a fight license in the state after his suspension runs its course on June 29 of this year.

On Thursday, CSAC Executive Director George Dodd told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that California Code of Regulations Title 4 Rule 399 was used as justification by CSAC legal advisers for classifying the suspension as a revocation.

Today, however, the CSAC announced there were errors made in the interpretation of that rule.

"Upon reviewing the May 18, 2011 decision of the commission, an error in the applicability of Rule 399 was made," stated a release issued today by the commission. "The rule states that, 'Any applicant who has been denied an application for a license may not file a similar application until one year from the date of the last previous denial by the commission. Any application filed within the one year period may be denied without the necessity of a hearing. Anyone who has had his license revoked may not petition for reinstatement or apply for a new license until one year after the date of such revocation. Any petition for reinstatement filed within the one year period may be denied without the necessity of a hearing.'

"Since the commission did not revoke or deny Mr. Sonnen's license, the rule does not apply."

The release noted that Sonnen will need to appear before the commission once again should he decide to apply for a license in California.

"If the commission denies his application, Mr. Sonnen will have to wait one year from the date of the denial," the release stated.

On Tuesday, the CSAC voted 4-1 to uphold an indefinite suspension of Sonnen issued in late April. The commission cited inconsistencies in his testimony during a December appeal of a one-year suspension he was issued for elevated levels of testosterone following UFC 117. (The suspension was reduced to six months.) Sonnen's recent conviction on one federal charge of money laundering was also cited as a reason for the indefinite suspension.

On Thursday Dodd said that Sonnen was not eligible to apply for a license in California until May 18, 2012, or one year from the date that CSAC upheld the indefinite suspension, as per the commission's rules on license revocations.

Until June 29, Sonnen's name will remain on a registry that tracks fighters' medical and administrative suspensions. It is unknown at the time of this writing whether a note will be placed on the registry after the suspension expires that asks commissions in other states to call the CSAC in the event that the fighter applies for a license there.

At Wednesday's hearing, Sonnen's legal representatives begged the CSAC to end the fighter's current suspension on June 5, the final date in which he'd be eligible to gain a second's license in Nevada to coach on "The Ultimate Fighter 14." Sonnen told the commission that he had been offered a coaching spot opposite Michael Bisping on the reality show with a No. 1 contender's bout waiting afterward. The request was declined.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Keith Kizer said on Thursday that a second's license is out of the question before Sonnen's current suspension ends, though the restrictions will be lifted after June 29.

"My understanding is that he's free to apply for either license after June 29," Kizer said today. "However, he will have to appear before the commission on those applications. Before that date, we have to honor the California suspensions."

Great news.

And can't White just give them some money and let this end already? It fucking sucks./

 

[Mr. Artistic guy]

This is me still not getting MMA. I suupose that's why I don't venture there though.

 

[Fizzy]

Great news.

And can't White just give them some money and let this end already? It fucking sucks./

Because the sport is still attempting to get regulated in all 50 states. Holy shit, is it that hard to understand that Dana can do NOTHING?

This is me still not getting MMA. I suupose that's why I don't venture there though.

I "suupose" so. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Fizzy]

I hear GSP/Diaz is being scheduled for UFC 140. Just a rumor at this point.

 

[jmt225]

I hear GSP/Diaz is being scheduled for UFC 140. Just a rumor at this point.

December... in Canada. Kind of long away and yet another fight in Canada for GSP (it's obvious how the UFC is catering to him, which IMO looks bad for the company to play favoritism like that), but it could mean GSP and Diaz might end up being the next TUF Coaches. That'd be interesting....

Don't really care about any of that though... I just want the fight to happen.

 

[X]

I hope Diaz murders GSP in front of his countrymen. I really, really do.

 

[Fizzy]

I highly doubt they'd do TUF with GSP again. Maybe the eye injury is the reason for it being in December. Anyways, I like both fighters quite a lot. I like GSP more, but if Diaz wins I will not be disappointed. I just want to see a great fight.

 

[Uncle Chester]

Because the sport is still attempting to get regulated in all 50 states. Holy shit, is it that hard to understand that Dana can do NOTHING?

What does that have to do with anything? It's pretty fucking obvious these ***** are corrupt and severely biased. And I'm sure White could do a backhanded deal so they'll do the right thing and let Sonnen fight.

 

[Uncle Chester]

I've become a huge Nick Diaz fan since realizing he's a good dude with mental problems that are out of his control. I also think he hates the non-fighting and non-training aspects of MMA such as media and shit, but he seems pretty fucking cool.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

Honestly, I don't think having GSP do TUF again is the worst idea in the world. A lot of fans are starting to become jaded with him over the Shields fight. It's a good way to re-build his image by showing that he is a nice guy and will do wonders to build up the Diaz fight, with Diaz trash-talking/mean-mugging GSP all season long.

 

[Fizzy]

Corrupt? Whatever you say buddy. Point is, you don't do anything that can ruin your chances of getting regulated. Say New York finds out you made a shady ass deal. Gives them one more piece of evidence to stop MMA from being regulated in their state. It's common sense. It'd be fucking idiotic for the UFC to attempt to pay off an athletic commission.

 

[Uncle Chester]

Corrupt? Whatever you say buddy. Point is, you don't do anything that can ruin your chances of getting regulated. Say New York finds out you made a shady ass deal. Gives them one more piece of evidence to stop MMA from being regulated in their state. It's common sense. It'd be fucking idiotic for the UFC to attempt to pay off an athletic commission.

New York is the centre for shady deals, especially that cunt O rielly. I guarantee it's happened before, with the UFC or some other organization 'donating' money so something can happen in their favor. And I guarantee you that if Sonnen get's the suspension lifted nobody will raise an eyebrow because that's the right thing to do.

 

[Fizzy]

You can't be that thick headed man, I know it. How can you possibly say that Dana paying off an athletic commission to lift a suspension will have no repercussions? There are many ways for this to come back and haunt them. They can lose much more than they can gain. I don't see how you can debate otherwise.

 

[Uncle Chester]

You can't be that thick headed man, I know it. How can you possibly say that Dana paying off an athletic commission to lift a suspension will have no repercussions? There are many ways for this to come back and haunt them. They can lose much more than they can gain. I don't see how you can debate otherwise.

THIS IS BUSINESS, EVERYONE FUCKING DOES IT. Why does Margarito get a lenient punishment and Sonnen, who's actions were not as bad, get's shat on.
Corruption and money.