CSAC changes mind: Sonnen free to reapply for license next month
The California State Athletic Commission today reversed a decision to treat Chael Sonnen’s indefinite suspension as a license revocation, which…
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 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.
CSAC Executive Director George Dodd issued the following press release:
Chael Sonnen May Apply for License after June 29, 2011
Errors Made in Interpreting Rule 399
“Upon reviewing the May 18, 2011 decision of the Commission, an error in the applicability of Rule 399 was made. 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.
Given that Mr. Sonnen’s license will expire on June 29, 2011, the suspension imposed upon the license will be extinguished by operation of law. Therefore, Mr. Sonnen may reapply for a license at any time following that date. He will, however, be required to appear at a Commission meeting to have his application considered. If the Commission denies his application, Mr. Sonnen will have to wait one year from the date of the denial.”