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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Marvi

Chael Sonnen claims LeBron James uses performance enhancing drugs

LeBron James is not only one of the greatest players in NBA history, but he is also likely one of the two or three greatest athletes the game has ever seen.

What has made James even more impressive is the fact that, even at age 38, he is still one of the NBA’s most athletically gifted players, not to mention one of the most productive players in the world.

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Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen made explosive claims about James on a recent episode of the “Flagrant” podcast, alleging James uses a performance enhancing drug to increase his endurance. According to Sonnen, he and James “have the same drug guy.”

Via The Sports Rush:

“If you know 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. … 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.”

The substance Sonnen mentioned is erythropoietin, which is also known as EPO. It is a naturally occurring cytokine that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Sonnen failed multiple drug tests during his fighting career, and was busted for using EPO and human growth hormone. In the same clip, Sonnen also accuses Tiger Woods of using EPO, HGH and testosterone.

When used as a performance-enhancing drug, it is intended to increase one’s ability to carry oxygen through his or her body, which can improve stamina and performance during workouts and competitions.

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