USADA has been somewhat overshadowed as of late. It’s been quite a long time since the celebrated anti doping institution caught anyone of even a remotely high profile in the UFC.
Late yesterday it was revealed Kevin Lee has been suspended for 6 months for the use of a stimulant – an amphetamine. Lee addressed the public in a social media post where he explained that the source of the positive test for medication Adderall – which he had a prescription. In Lee’s own words:
“I have tested over the limit allowed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in my most recent fight,” Lee wrote. “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.”
Lee also shared a picture of the meds he was prescribed as if to verify the legitimacy:
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Doping expert Derek from More Plates More Dates has yet to weigh in on this particular case but he has discussed in the past how amphetamines have a shared effect with TRT – testosterone replacement therapy. An expert on the topic, Derek says the drive from amphetamines is more instant and the response is acute whereas with TRT it’s more of a background motivation.