LeBron James, the basketball legend who just won his fourth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, is once again in the news. But this time, it’s not for his on-court performance but for his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen recently claimed on the Flagrant podcast that LeBron James and other sports icons are using PEDs to give them an edge. Sonnen even went on to claim that he shares the same drug dealer as LeBron James. But are these claims credible?
How did Chael Sonnen make the claim about LeBron James?
Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter, spoke candidly about his own use of performance-enhancing drugs on the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz. Sonnen argued that PED use is much more prevalent in mainstream sports than people realize and claimed that LeBron James and Tiger Woods are two sports icons who are allegedly using PEDs. Sonnen claiming he and LeBron James share the same drug dealer siad he knows exactly what James is taking.
Chael pinpointed EPO, a drug meant for red blood cell stimulation for those with certain medical conditions such as kidney failure or anemia, as LeBron’s supposed drug of choice. According to Sonnen, EPO keeps LeBron fresh up until the fourth quarter of games, giving him an endurance boost. EPO is known to increase the production of red blood cells, which can help athletes perform for longer periods of time.
Is Sonnen’s Claim Credible?
While Sonnen’s claims are certainly eye-catching, it’s important to note that he isn’t exactly a reputable source. Sonnen himself has been caught using performance-enhancing drugs in the past, and his credibility is often called into question.
It’s also important to remember that LeBron James has repeatedly denied using PEDs and has always attributed his success to hard work and dedication. While James undoubtedly uses cutting-edge medical and physical treatments to keep his body in top shape, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he is using PEDs.
Former UFC Middleweight title contender and ESPN MMA analyst, Chael Sonnen, has alleged that LeBron James uses PEDs, specifically EPO to continue his playing career.
“We have the same drug guy, I know exactly what he takes.” pic.twitter.com/eRteeqGpcz
— Vision4theBlind (@Vision4theBlind) March 9, 2023
The Bottom Line
While the allegations against LeBron James and other sports icons are certainly serious, it’s important to remember that these claims are just that – allegations. Without concrete evidence, it’s impossible to say whether or not these allegations are true.
However, it’s clear that PED use is a serious issue in sports, and it’s important for athletes to stay vigilant about the supplements and treatments they use to ensure that they are not violating any rules or risking their health. Ultimately, the most important thing is for athletes to compete fairly and to always put their health and well-being first.
