Alistair Overeem finally breaks his silence about why he failed his UFC 146 pre-fight drug test. In a letter released today to fans, and friends, Overeem goes on to explain the reason for his high 14:1 Testosterone to Epitestosterone (T/E) levels. 

For comparison, a normal Male should have a 1:1 T/E levels, and at the highest end of normal, a male should have at the very most 6:1 T/E levels, Overeem's as we stated above, was a massive 14:1, which he explains the reason for it below. Here's the statement released through Overeem's management at Authentic Sports Management today.

“To my friends and fans,

I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.

I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.

I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.

Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.

I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.

Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon.”

Overeem cannot be suspended my the NSAC for failing the test, only because he was not actually licensed by the NSAC at the time of the test, but they can deny his application for his licence, and if they do, Overeem cannot re-apply for a licence to fight in Nevada for an entire year. Of course Overeem is hoping they will allow him to retract his application instead. 

This will all be determined tomorrow (April 24th, 2012) when Overeem will have his hearing with the NSAC. 

If the NSAC denies his request to retract the application and moves to deny his application for a license, he will have to wait his year to re-apply, which also means he will not be able to fight for an entire year as well because the UFC has also confirmed that they will honor the NSAC's decision and will not allow Overeem to apply for a license in any other state or area as well.  

Overeem better hope he gets a sympathetic commission hearing tomorrow or he's in for the longest and most boring year of his life as he waits to re-apply for his license again. 

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