Kevin Lee issues statement following suspension for Adderall
UFC welterweight fighter Kevin Lee issued a statement following his suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for Adderall.
Lee recently fought Daniel Rodriguez and lost a unanimous decision in a welterweight contest. Following the fight, Lee tested over the limit by the Nevada Athletic Commission after using Adderall. Although a doctor prescribed Lee the medication and he told USADA, Lee failed to gain a TUE (therapeutic use exemption) from Nevada before the fight with Rodriguez, and thus he failed his post-fight drug test. In a statement posted to his social media, Lee accepted fault for the positive test, and he also wanted his fans to know that he used Adderall in order to combat severe anxiety.
I have tested over the limit allowed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in my most recent fight. In 2018 I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD, it has always affected me. I did not discover real treatment for the diagnosis until 2020 when I was recovering from my double knee surgeries. I was prescribed Adderall from a doctor to improve my mental Health. I told representatives from USADA but did not apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption from the NSAC before my last fight. For that, I truly apologize to the UFC, the commission, my opponent, Dana White, the matchmakers, Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard, and the fans. It was never my intention to gain an athletic advantage. It was an attempt to conquer the severe anxiety I silently suffer from daily. I am actively cooperating with the Nevada Athletic Commission and expect to reach an agreement on a sanction. I will use this time to heal and come back stronger. Sorry for my lack of professionalism that lead to this disappointment, I’ll be back.
It will be interesting to see how long Kevin Lee is suspended by Nevada, given he is cooperating with the commission and the medication was prescribed by a doctor, though he failed to get a TUE.
