Sonnen Coaching TUF 13?

http://mmaweekly.com/chael-sonnen-has-to-be-approved-by-commission-to-coach-tuf-13

Chael Sonnen’s recent suspension handed down from the California State Athletic Commission prevents him from fighting until after March 2, 2011, but it may also keep him from coaching on the next season of the “Ultimate Fighter.”

The Team Quest fighter was suspended earlier in December for six months stemming from a failed drug test after his August fight against Anderson Silva. The suspension was reduced from one year to six months, which would end in March next year.

As far as fighting goes, Sonnen will then re-apply for a license to be able to compete again.

Sonnen has also been rumored to be a leading candidate to take over the coaching duties for the 13th season of the “Ultimate Fighter” reality show opposite Wanderlei Silva. Filming is expected to begin in early 2011, but it wouldn’t happen without approval from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, tells MMAWeekly.com that Sonnen would have to apply first and the commission would have to approve his license to coach on the show.

“He would need a second’s license from the Commission,” Kizer wrote in an e-mail to www.MMAWeekly.com.

“If he applies for such a license, his application would be placed on a Commission agenda for hearing and decision.”

As of now, Sonnen has not applied for such a license, but UFC president Dana White has already stated that he would not decide on who would coach the show for at least a few more days.

In 2007, Nick Diaz, who was under suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a positive test for marijuana, was not allowed to receive a cornerman’s licence to help with his brother Nate Diaz’s fight in Las Vegas during the “Ultimate Fighter” season 5 finale.

It’s unknown if the commission would hold Sonnen’s suspension similarly, but it would be reviewed before anything could be approved.