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Reading: Chael Sonnen Again Accuses LeBron James Of Using PEDs, Says They Have The Same Dealer
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Chael Sonnen Again Accuses LeBron James Of Using PEDs, Says They Have The Same Dealer

Chael Sonnen Again Accuses LeBron James Of Using PEDs, Says They Have The Same Dealer

Controversy swirls as Chael Sonnen accuses LeBron James of PED use, reigniting debate on the NBA superstar's performance.

Vishwesha Kumar
Mar 9, 2024
7 Min Read
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Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chael Sonnen, a former MMA fighter, has once again stirred controversy by accusing LeBron James of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Sonnen made these claims in a recent interview, asserting that he and James share the same drug dealer for acquiring Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance commonly used to enhance endurance. 

“And he and I have one thing in common, we use the same drug dealer to buy our EPO. And I don’t see anything wrong with that… It was something called EPO.”

“And in the world of performance enhancing drugs, in my experience, EPO is king. And it is king by eight. I would pass up five other stuff just to have that. But it’s very, very difficult to get. It’s very expensive. We happen to have the same guy.”

“I didn’t say that to out him and or embarrass him. This wasn’t like a dry snitch. I’m sharing that if you want to get a basketball and you want to make it to 38, you want to be the MVP of the league, you can’t just go do certain things.”

Almost a year ago to the day, Current ESPN employee, Chael Sonnen, tripled down on his claim that Lebron James, The Rock, and John Cena use the PED, EPO and anabolic steroids. Sonnen appeared on the PBD Podcast (1.7 million followers) to campaign for EPO

Lebron, who injects… pic.twitter.com/AkxU5RpkzP

— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22) March 9, 2024

In his statement, Sonnen emphasized the potency of EPO in enhancing athletic performance, labeling it as the “king” of performance enhancers. He suggested that the endurance boost provided by EPO could explain James’ remarkable longevity and ability to perform at a high level deep into his NBA career.

Sonnen’s allegations come in the wake of similar accusations made by former NBA star Kevin Garnett, who controversially claimed that James was using steroids. Garnett’s remarks sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the validity of his claims and the motives behind them.

While James has never failed a drug test throughout his career, he has faced scrutiny and speculation regarding his potential use of PEDs. Sonnen’s assertions add fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding James’ performance and the lengths he goes to maintain his elite status in the NBA.

The controversy surrounding James and PEDs is further compounded by his associations with individuals linked to past doping scandals. Notably, James’ long-time associate Ernest “Randy” Mims and former trainer David Alexander were implicated in a federal investigation surrounding PEDs. However, investigations concluded that neither Mims nor Alexander provided PEDs to James, and he was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.

Despite these controversies, James continues to excel on the basketball court, defying age and expectations with his exceptional performance. In his 21st NBA season, James remains a dominant force, averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists and leading the Los Angeles Lakers with his leadership and skill.

It’s important to note that accusations of PED use against James remain unsubstantiated, and he maintains his innocence regarding any involvement in doping activities. As the debate rages on, James remains focused on his pursuit of excellence on the court, leaving the controversies and allegations behind as he continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.


There Could Be A Reason LeBron James Has Never Responded To Such Allegations

LeBron James’ silence in response to allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has been a subject of intrigue and speculation for years. Despite facing numerous accusations from various sources, including former athletes and media personalities, James has never directly addressed these claims. While some may interpret his silence as an admission of guilt, there could be legitimate reasons behind his refusal to engage with such allegations.

First and foremost, it’s essential to consider the credibility of the accusations against James. Many of these claims have originated from individuals with questionable motives or lacking concrete evidence to support their allegations. LeBron’s decision not to dignify baseless accusations with a response may be a strategic move to avoid legitimizing unfounded rumors and speculation.

Moreover, LeBron James is acutely aware of the potential repercussions of engaging with PED allegations. As one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, James has meticulously crafted his public image and legacy over the course of his career. Responding to accusations of PED use could risk tarnishing his reputation and undermining his accomplishments on the court.

Additionally, LeBron James operates within a highly regulated environment governed by stringent anti-doping protocols established by the NBA. The league implements comprehensive drug testing measures to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition among players. Any involvement in PED use would not only violate league rules but also jeopardize James’ standing as a role model and leader within the NBA community.

LeBron’s sustained success and longevity in the league further call into question the validity of PED allegations against him. At 39 years old and in his 21st NBA season, James continues to perform at an elite level, defying age-related decline and maintaining his status as one of the game’s premier players. Such sustained excellence suggests that LeBron’s achievements are the result of hard work, dedication, and natural talent rather than illicit means.

In light of these considerations, LeBron James’ decision to ignore PED allegations may be a calculated strategy aimed at preserving his legacy and reputation. By refusing to dignify baseless accusations with a response, James reinforces his commitment to integrity, professionalism, and excellence both on and off the basketball court. Ultimately, LeBron’s silence speaks volumes about his character and integrity, reaffirming his status as a transcendent athlete and role model for future generations.

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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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