ESPN Suspends Chael Sonnen While Investigation Continues

ESPN has suspended broadcaster Chael Sonnen amidst his ongoing battery case.

In a statement, ESPN said that Sonnen will be absent from the network while the investigation moves forward.

“Chael will not appear on ESPN as we explore the details of these serious charges,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, Sonnen was hit with 10 charges of battery and one felony battery with use of strangulation. The former UFC title challenger is scheduled to appear in court on April 27 in Las Vegas.

Sonnen was initially facing five misdemeanor battery charges from the alleged December 18 incident at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Reports said the former fighter was accused of assaulting six people, including one woman. A fight ensued after a man harassed his wife while the couple was at the casino.

Sonnen was never arrested or put in jail, police told MMA Fighting, but he was issued citations and escorted off the property. The five charges were “dismissed by the court without prejudice,” but it was possible the charges could be refiled at a later date.

Sonnen hosts “The Chael Sonnen Show With Jorge Sedano.” He is also the UFC analyst for ESPN’s pre- and post-fight coverage, and was most recently present for the UFC 272 pay-per-view event featuring welterweights Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.

The 44-year-old also has a YouTube podcast and is an analyst for Eagle FC.

Before being an analyst, Sonnen fought for the world title three times in the UFC, but lost twice to Anderson Silva and once to Jon Jones.