Midnight Mania! Kevin Lee issues statement on amphetamine suspension, ‘I truly apologize’

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Safe to say, Kevin Lee’s return to action after a pair of brutal knee surgeries do not go according to plan. Back at 170 lbs., Lee was eyeing a match up vs. champion Kamaru Usman, but hard-nosed scrapper Daniel Rodriguez ultimately soiled his return in a tough decision loss for “The MoTown Phenom.”

Earlier today, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) announced the the Welterweight was temporarily suspended following a positive drug test for amphetamines from his August 28 bout vs. Rodriguez. Lee quickly took to Instagram, apologizing and explaining he failed the drug test as a result of his medication for ADHD.

“It was never my intention to gain an athletic advantage,” Lee wrote. “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.”

A few hours later, Lee followed up on his first statement, this time “as a human not a fighter.” In the second video, Lee filmed himself dumping his medication down the drown, and he opened up about his fear, anxiety, and problems with alcohol. Lee explained that in “this next stage of healing I need to be sober and connected with god.”

It remains to be seen just how long Lee will be suspended for, as well as if USADA will tack on any further punishment. There is a chance that Lee applies for a retroactive therapeutic use exception, which could help out his situation if he does indeed have a doctor’s prescription.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Insomnia

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.