Big UFC Fighter Suspended For Drug Test Failure, Full Details, By: Stash Capar

November  04, 2006

BONNAR SUSPENDED FOR NINE MONTHS AFTER STEROIDS ADMISSION

UFC light heavyweight competitor and The Ultimate Fighter season one finalist Stephan Bonnar was given an opportunity to defend allegations of steroid use before the Nevada State Athletic Commission during disciplinary hearings held earlier today.

The fighter, who tested positive for boldenone metabolite, a non approved substance by NSAC regulations, admitted to using the steroid, calling it “the worst decision of his life."

“I had serious nagging injuries [before his fight with Griffin] that wouldn’t go away,” said Bonnar. “This was the biggest fight of my career and I wasn’t going to pull out…three weeks before the fight I became desperate, so I purchased the steroid and began taking it."

After explaining his rationale for taking the banned substance, Bonnar apologized for his actions.

“I just want to express my apologies,” said Bonnar. “I took a substance which I knew was not approved by the commission and I regret it. I ask for the forgiveness of the commission, the forgiveness of the UFC and the forgiveness of the fans."

Although the NSAC found Bonnar’s apologies “refreshing," a motion was passed to suspend Bonnar for nine months, with an additional fine of $5,000.

Bonnar’s representatives tried to minimize the fine, pointing out that their client had already suffered greatly.

“If you do a Google search on Stephan right now, eight out of ten hits will refer you to a failed drug test,” said one of Bonnar’s representatives. “Stephan has already suffered greatly…he is not someone who is making millions of dollars."

Besides the fine and suspension, Bonnar’s television contract with Spike TV was recently terminated. The popular mixed martial artist was to act as a commentator and reporter for future MMA related shows.

“I lost something that I truly enjoyed, something that I could have done after I was done with fighting,” explained Bonnar.

The NSAC concluded the hearing by saying that the use of steroids is becoming an increasingly evident problem in mixed martial arts - a problem that they hope will soon get under control.

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