There is a broken TMZ link on Newsnow saying the UFC has suspended him following the money laundering charges.
What gives here, I know the UFC has to be very carefull who they do business with due to the Fertitta's Casino license.
Remember a couple of years back the heat on Donald Tump over Todd Beard from Affliction.
And here is the full article from a cached copy including Dana White quotes:
UFC Suspends Superstar Fighter Chael Sonnen
5 minutes ago by TMZ Staff
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Ultimate Fighting superstar Chael Sonnen has been suspended by the UFC in the wake of a money laundering scandal ... TMZ has learned.
Just yesterday, Sonnen pled guilty to money laundering in connection with mortgage fraud -- and now UFC president Dana White tells us Sonnen's contract has been temporarily "frozen."
But White isn't turning his back on one of his most famous fighters -- Dana tells us, "Chael Sonnen has gone through a lot in the last few months and we think it's important for him to focus on getting his personal life together before focusing on his career in the UFC."
White adds, "I spoke with Chael earlier today and he agrees that setting priorities in his life is the best thing for him right now. I sincerely hope Chael is able to straighten out his personal life."
Sonnen has reportedly struck a plea deal in his money laundering case -- and is expected to receive two years probation and a $10,000 fine.
He's headed to the WWE for a "Money in the Bank" match, followed by a "Hell in a Cell."
his contact has been "temporarily frozen" by the UFC.
The UFC cannot SUSPEND anyone
Yeah, what the fuck is this shit.
You can't freeze someone who is hot as fuck.
^^ lol
DoubleBagger - You can't freeze someone who is hot as fuck.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!
HeHitsMeBecauseHeLovesMe - Yeah, what the fuck is this shit.
TMZ link is still showing as being broke and no other MMA websites are reporting this yet, but the direct Dana quotes makes you think its legit.
MMA Fighting have confirmed it he's suspended by the UFC.
http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/01/04/ufc-suspends-chael-sonnen/
FRIZZI - Dude. TMZ.com, first story.
mmm yeah as per my post.
Eyelasher - didn't his plea come before the announcement of his match with Akiyama?...
Then the UFC suspended or froze his contract after that?
what's going on here?
The MMA fighting article raises some good points about if the UFC wants mainstream sports legitimacy its something they had to do.
It may also be possible Dana wasn't fully aware of what was going on with Sonnens case before giving the fight the OK.
Shit head keeps digging himself deeper and deeper, Imagine if this retard would have won the belt? wow what a mess that would have been.
john joe -smiter - MMA Fighting have confirmed it he's suspended by the UFC.
http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/01/04/ufc-suspends-chael-sonnen/
that report just quotes the TMZ report; same quotes from dana white
Yep it just confirms for me its legit for the fact MMA Fighting are running with it including Danas comments.
Damn shame although the Akiyama fight just seemed weird to me when a fight with Wanderlei made so much mroe sense anyway.