Chael Sonnen is coming clear with regard to an unpleasant incident from his previous.
In December 2021, Sonnen was briefly detained at a 4 Seasons lodge in Las Vegas after an altercation with a pair, Dr. Christopher Stellpflug and Julie Stellpflug, in a hallway. The Stellpflugs claimed Sonnen gave the impression to be intoxicated and that he slapped a drink out of Christopher’s hand unprovoked. A lodge worker additionally claimed he was punched by the three-time UFC title challenger.
Sonnen later pleaded no-contest to a single misdemeanor cost of breaching the peace after initially being charged with battery by strangulation and 10 misdemeanor battery expenses. Because of his plea, he was fined $750.
On Wednesday, Sonnen launched a press release apologizing to the Stellpflugs for his actions.
“Dr. Chris and his spouse Julie Stellpflug, Mr. and Mrs. Stellpflug, a lot of years in the past in Las Vegas have been coming down a hallway making an attempt to get to their room, encountered a maniac, me, and I apologize,” Sonnen mentioned on Instagram. “I’ve needed to apologize for a lot of years, nevertheless it simply wasn’t proper. It’s a complete scenario, it simply takes time, however I’ve received to let you know it has been bothering me.
“I’d lengthen this apology to their youngsters. Youngsters weren’t current, however I’ve youngsters. Reverse the function and consider myself as a baby with my very own mother and father, your mother and father get drug by the media and a authorized case as a result of they encounter a madman whereas doing what they need to be doing in a hallway, which is strolling to their room. I’ve received to let you know, you’re owed an apology and I sincerely provide you with one.”
Sonnen touched upon the intoxication accusation, however didn’t specify precisely what his bodily situation was when he encountered the Stellpflugs, solely briefly mentioning a “journey” that will have clouded his judgement. He additionally needed to make it clear his spouse had no involvement within the incident.
“I used to be on my own after I met them,” Sonnen mentioned. “I used to be on my journey with my spouse and due to that there was one thing I’d heard or a mix you guys had requested me—my spouse had nothing to do with the story, they’ve all by no means seen, by no means even put eyes on each other—that is very particularly from the madman within the hallway, me, to Mr. and Mrs. Stellpflug. I sincerely apologize. I want to repeat, I additionally apologize to your loved ones and your youngsters particularly and I’m going to depart it at that. Thanks.”
Sonnen, 48, at present serves as an analyst on ESPN’s UFC programming and in addition regularly shares his MMA opinions on his YouTube channel. Throughout his preventing profession, he twice challenged for the UFC middleweight title and as soon as for the UFC mild heavyweight title. He closed out his profession with Bellator, retiring in 2019 with a professional file of 31-17-1.
