Home

UFC

“I’m Not Hiding Behind Diagnosis and Pills”- Kevin Lee Releases an Emotional Statement After Testing Positive for Banned Substance

Published 10/21/2021, 10:50 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Kevin Lee recently landed himself in hot water with the NAC. ‘The Motown Phenom’ is currently suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Lee tested positive for amphetamine stemming from his fight against Daniel Rodriguez, which took place on August 28th. 

A decision regarding Lee’s future and a possible punishment has not been decided at this point in time. The former interim title challenger took to Instagram to clarify his positive test. Lee stated that he was using Adderall to combat adult ADHD, which is something he had not disclosed to the NAC. 

Lee and his representatives are expected to meet the officials over the coming weeks to discuss the issue at hand. Lee’s case will then be presented in the monthly NAC meeting where disciplinary actions such as a fine and/or suspension will be handed out should the NAC feel the need to do it. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Nate Diaz Labeled “One of the Most Exciting Fighters in the MMA World” by Boxing Veteran

Kevin Lee issues a statement

‘The Motown Phenom’ took to Instagram to share his thoughts on what had transpired. Lee shared a video of him flushing his pills down the sink with a caption that said, “I’ll just speak as a human not as a fighter right now. I’ve been embarrassed these last few weeks since knowing this news would come out. I always knew my brain worked different than other people and I’ve tried to hide my whole life. Before i started taking medicine I spent a lot of my time drunk. I been scared knowing that the world would know exactly what’s wrong with me.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kevin Lee (@motownphenom)

Lee continued, “But from now, f**k all that. Im not embarrassed and I’m not hiding behind diagnosis’s and pills or alcohol or none of that no more. I haven’t been drunk for about a month (which is a lot for me outside of fight camp) and no more prescriptions. Not that I think they are wrong or harmful but this next stage of healing I need to be sober and connected with god. Making a post is holding me accountable, if there’s one person out there like me I’m with you.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Watch this story:-Paulo Costa vs. Marvin Vettori Stats: Record, Height, Reach, and More

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What is next for ‘The Motown Phenom’

During his stint at lightweight up until his title fight against Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee was widely regarded as a top prospect in the lightweight division. Lee came up short against Ferguson, following which he bounced back into the win column against Edson Barboza. Since then, Lee has won just one of five fights. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘The Motown Phenom’ switched between lightweight and welterweight multiple times over the past few years. At this point in time, it is unclear how long Lee would be punished if the panel finds him guilty. It will be interesting to see which weight class Lee makes his return to once the issue is solved with the NAC. 

What do you make of the situation involving Kevin Lee? Let us know in the comments below!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Kevin Binoy

1,289Articles

One take at a time

Kevin Binoy is a senior UFC author at EssentiallySports. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fergusson College and has been covering sports professionally for over two years. Besides working with the MMA desk, Kevin is a core member of the organization's web stories team and is responsible for delivering engaging MMA web stories.
Show More>