Rep. Brennan Seeks Accountability from Ohio Athletic Commission Overrule Review Failures
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma), a member of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), announced today that he will be pressing the Ohio Athletic Commission (OAC) for answers during the committee’s upcoming meeting on Tuesday, June 24th. The questions stem from the Commission’s failure to comply with a basic legal requirement: the mandatory five-year review of its administrative rules.
“The Ohio Athletic Commission hasn’t submitted a single five-year rule review in six years,” said Rep. Brennan. “That’s a clear violation of Ohio law and raises serious concerns about oversight, public safety, and regulatory responsibility—especially given the nature of the industries they regulate.”
The OAC oversees professional and amateur combat sports in Ohio, including boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, kickboxing, karate, and “tough person” competitions, as well as athlete agents.
JCARR Chair Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) requested that OAC leadership appear at the June 24 hearing to explain not only the years-long lapse in rule review but also their failure to return multiple phone calls from JCARR staff. OAC Executive Director Chuck Haskell, who has held the position for two years, is expected to testify.
Rep. Brennan plans to ask OAC officials for:
- A complete list of overdue rule reviews;
- An explanation for the lack of communication with JCARR;
- Details on whether outdated rules may be putting participants or promoters at risk;
- A clear timeline and plan for how the Commission will come into compliance;
- A public commitment to improved accountability and communication going forward.
“Combat sports involve high risks and require clear, current, and enforceable rules. Failing to update those rules not only violates state law—it could endanger lives,” said Rep. Brennan. “The public deserves transparency, and our committee deserves answers.”
The JCARR hearing will be held at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
You can watch the hearing live here.