From Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo:
(SACRAMENTO) – Yesterday, the non-partisan Bureau of State Audits released the results of its investigation into the financial management and administrative operations of the California State Athletic Commission. The state audit was requested by Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo (D-Salinas) and is the culmination of months of intensive research into the State Athletic Commission’s operations.
“The State Auditor’s investigation of the California State Athletic Commission sheds light on how for years the Commission has failed on its responsibility to manage its financial and administrative operations,” says Alejo. “The report reveals that the Commission lacks a long term plan to deal with its financial crisis. It is unacceptable that even after fiscal problems became public the Commission’s board took 6 months to begin correcting the problem. Additionally, it was revealed that the Commission has violated state law in managing its Pension and Neurological Funds.”
The California State Athletic Commission is responsible for protecting the health and safety of its licensees; boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Through the years, the Commission has become one of the largest combat sports sanctioning bodies in the nation. The State Athletic Commission came under scrutiny when the Commission announced its insolvency due to excessive spending. Reports of financial problems and administrative wrongdoing led Alejo to request the audit last July.
“Over the past 10 years, several audits and reviews have highlighted serious deficiencies in the commission’s administration, yet the commission has consistently failed to address these issues. I believe these new revelations should signal the beginning of new leadership at the Commission’s board,” continues Alejo. “The Legislature is planning to conduct a sunset review of the State Athletic Commission next month to determine whether it should continue its operations. As part of that review, a bill to reform the way the Commission handles its financial and administrative operations and the selection of a new Chairmanship to the board should be considered. Additionally, it might be a good idea to consider restructuring the responsibilities of the Commission by delegating the administrative and day-to-day operations to the Department of Consumer Affairs.”
“I applaud the State Auditor for her thorough and objective analysis. I look forward to continue working on this issue to ensure that the State Athletic Commission fulfills its mission to serve the needs of athletes, promoters and fans of combat sports in California,” states Alejo. For more information on the audit visit http://www.bsa.ca.gov.
Luis Alejo represents the 30th District in the California State Assembly, which consists of the Salinas Valley, Monterey County, San Benito County, South Santa Clara County and the city of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County.
