UFC/FOX Terminate Chael Sonnen's Broadcasting Contract

youtubeThey stuck with Chael Sonnen through thick and thin, through antics funny and sometimes outright strange, but the UFC and Chael Sonnen seem to have parted ways - at least as far as having him as a broadcaster. In a joint statement released by FOX and the UFC, it appears the Chael Sonnen has been terminated from his broadcasting duties. This comes on the heels of an announcement by the NSAC that Sonnen had failed a second drug test. Per the statement: The UFC and FOX Sports organizations announced today the termination of their respective broadcasting services agreements with analyst Chael Sonnen. This decision comes in light of Sonnen failing a second test conducted by the Nevada Athletic Commission for banned substances in June. Sonnen was previously under temporary suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for failing an initial test conducted in May. The move is somewhat surprising. After all, Sonnen had already admitted to failing the first test, and announced his retirement from active competition. The initial failure news came out in June following a test in May; why the shock over him failing a second test when it no longer mattered? It would seem the companies are merely trying to save face on this one. A number of media outlets had called for Sonnen's dismissal, though the UFC cannot claim to have clean hands as it has supported a number of multiple-time drug and PED offenders including Vitor Belfort and Josh Barnett, both of whom are still active fighters in the promotion. Sitting in the press box, it would seem to be a moot point that Sonnen failed a test weeks after an initial failure - after all, it's likely it was the same substances remaining in his system from the first test. Sonnen appeared to have a promising career ahead as a broadcaster, and it's likely that he will land on his feet. This may strain his relationship with the UFC however, and it will be interesting to see how he responds.