[_DCdoctr_]

CHAEL SONNEN GRANTED THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION FOR TRT PRIOR TO UFC 148 IN LAS VEGAS

Chael Sonnen was granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Monday, clearing the way for his UFC 148 showdown with Anderson Silva in Las Vegas on July 7.

The exemption came with a few conditions, however. Sonnen must adhere to dosage restrictions as determined by NAC Executive Director Keith Kizer in the days leading up to the event, and the middleweight title challenger must also submit to a post-fight blood test at his expense the morning after UFC 148. Additionally, the commission has requested that Sonnen submit copies of his therapeutic exemption applications from Texas and Illinois for further review.

Sonnen said that he offered full disclosure regarding his treatment on the pre-fight paperwork prior to his last two bouts. Sonnen, who has been receiving testosterone twice a week since 2008, claims that he had not revealed his prescribed treatment before previous bouts because he was instructed not to mention the treatments by his manager through Kizer. Kizer has denied that any such conversations took place, and Sonnen confirmed on Monday that he had never spoken to Kizer directly.

“I was following the instruction I was given. I did follow the rules. I will not [do it] that way again,” Sonnen told the commission.

Dr. Timothy Trainor, the assisting physician at the hearing, said it was appropriate to grant Sonnen an exemption, but that the fighter needs to be “vigilant” in administering the dosage exactly as prescribed.

In addressing its protocol for granting therapeutic use exemptions, the commission acknowledged the likelihood that requests for TRT will increase, with Kizer referring to the treatment as “the new Viagara.” The commission was in agreement that an additional expert would be useful in assisting with future requests. Sonnen also said that he would be willing to help the commission in an advisory role regarding TRT.

Click on the LINK for the full story.




BP