In an audit of the California State Athletic Commission, which protects the health and safety for boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts athletes, requested by Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo of Salinas, the Bureau of State Audits’ research found gross mismanagement on its financial and administrative operations, according to a release by Alejo.
“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,” Alejo said.
According to the release, the audit revealed that the commission lacked a long term plan on its financial crisis. It also found that the commission violated state law in managing its pension and neurological funds.
The commission is one of the largest sanctioning bodies for combat sports, according to the release.
After the commission announced its insolvency because of extensive spending, Alejo requested the audit in 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,” Alejo said. “I believe theses new revelations should signal the beginning of new leadership at the Commission’s board.”
Alejo called for changes on how the commission will handle its finances and administrative operations in the future. A sunset review will be commissioned next month, he said.
