LeBron James has been praised for his endurance throughout his career, but the latest allegations are attempting to debunk this.
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LeBron James is allegedly using performance-enhancing medications, according to UFC great Chael Sonnen. Sonnen earned a reputation for himself in the octagon by breaking skulls, so he is well aware of what PEDs are capable of. According to Bleacher Report, he tested positive for PEDs during his fighting career. Nevertheless, without providing any evidence, Sonnen asserted on “Flagrant” with Andrew Schultz that four-time NBA champion LeBron James is on PEDs and that they share the same drug dealer.
“If the world understood what LeBron did, like other basketball players will hear what LeBron does and go, ‘Oh, but that doesn’t matter.’ Right, it’s like a baseball player. You’re hitting the stick … It doesn’t matter. No, if you knew what these performance enhancers did, then you would know why it does matter … We have the same drug guy. I know exactly what he’s doing,” the legendary UFC fighter claimed on the “Flagrant” podcast.
When asked for details, Sonnen claimed he wasn’t going to get into facts, but did add, “EPO matters, it’s the reason LeBron takes it. It matters. EPO increases your red blood cells, which gives you endurance so you can play all game long. You can shoot in the fourth quarter just like you shot in the first quarter … It’s the king of performance enhancers … EPO is king.”
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EPO – Erythropoietin – “is a type of blood doping that can help improve an athlete’s endurance,” according to the Australian Academy of Science. It’s also banned for use by NBA players, according to Fansided. So, not only is Sonnen accusing LeBron James of juicing, he’s specifically saying LeBron takes a banned substance.
That’s a very serious claim Sonnen made, backed up only by insisting that he and LeBron share the same drug guy. If you’re going to publicly accuse someone of taking a drug that could derail their career, you better back it up with a bit more.
It’s not surprising to see something like this develop, given that he’s doing something never done before. LeBron James is still playing at an incredibly high level in his 38th season. This season, he has averaged 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Apart from injuries, we haven’t seen LeBron’s game deteriorate while he’s on the court. Everyone in the NBA has been watching for years to see when the LA Lakers great will start losing his stride.
LeBron is able to play the game for as long as he does because he spends much in his body. Having said that, Chael Sonnen isn’t the first person to raise an eyebrow about what he’s doing.
Years ago, Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman discussed LeBron James during a “First Take” segment. When Kellerman congratulated him for his gradual deterioration, Stephen A. said something unusual.
When questioned why LeBron’s skill has dropped so slowly, Stephen A. stated it “raises an eyebrow” since he improves while his teammates deteriorate. He didn’t accuse him of using steroids outright, but his tone hints that something doesn’t match up.
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