HBO's docuseries 'Alex vs. ARod' offers an honest look at Alex Rodriguez's career, including his regrets, struggles with performance-enhancing drugs, therapy, and personal growth, amidst mixed reactions from fans and critics.
Victor Conte, founder of BALCO and a central figure in the steroid scandal involving elite athletes like Barry Bonds and Marion Jones, has died at 75. He was known for supplying undetectable performance-enhancing drugs and served prison time for steroid distribution. Despite his controversial past, he later became an advocate for anti-doping efforts.
Odell Beckham Jr., a free agent wide receiver, announced he will serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy, stemming from an abnormal testosterone test while with the Dolphins, despite claiming he did not knowingly take banned substances.
Odell Beckham Jr., a free agent NFL wide receiver, has accepted a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs related to a failed test last season with the Dolphins. He claims he has never knowingly taken PEDs and wishes to play this season, despite remaining unsigned.
Sprinter Fred Kerley has announced his participation in the Enhanced Games, a controversial event allowing performance-enhancing drugs, aiming to set world records and win substantial prizes, amid ongoing doping and ethical debates in sports.
UFC BJJ aims to professionalize and clean up the sport, explicitly stating that doped athletes like Gordon Ryan, who has openly used PEDs, will not be allowed to compete, reflecting a move towards stricter doping controls in the sport.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is urging U.S. authorities to shut down the planned Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, which promote the use of performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision, citing concerns over athlete health and sport integrity. WADA plans to advocate legal action against the event, which has faced criticism from U.S. sports officials and organizations.
World Aquatics announced a ban on athletes, coaches, and officials participating in the upcoming Enhanced Games, a controversial event promoting performance-enhancing drugs, emphasizing their stance against doping and protecting the integrity of clean sport.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. The 22-year-old, who had an impressive debut last year, will be on the restricted list until the first 80 games of the regular season are completed. The Reds have a number of prospects who could cover for Marte's absence, and the suspension may impact his free agency and arbitration qualifications.
In 1889, baseball pitcher James "Pud" Galvin received an injection of the Brown-Séquard elixir, a concoction of testicular fluid from dogs and guinea pigs, which was believed to be the "elixir of life." Galvin pitched a shutout the next day, leading to speculation that he was the first known instance of doping in baseball. However, since there was no rule against the injection at the time and the elixir was later proven ineffective, the debate remains whether Galvin should be considered a doper. This incident highlights the early existence of performance-enhancing substances in baseball, predating the steroid era by over a century.
Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Grover Stewart has been suspended for six games without pay for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Stewart, known for his run-stopping abilities, will be eligible to return in Week 14. The nature of his violation remains unclear, but he expressed remorse and took responsibility for his actions. The suspension will cost Stewart approximately $3.4 million in salary and bonuses. The Colts will need to rely on other players to fill the void during his absence.
The US military will begin random drug testing on its elite special forces units, including the Navy SEALs and Army special forces, for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs starting in November. The Navy will be the first to implement the testing, followed by the Army at a later date. The decision comes after the death of a Navy SEAL candidate last year and concerns about the use of performance-enhancing drugs among those seeking to become elite commandos. Sailors will be required to provide two urine samples, and positive results may lead to discipline and removal from the force.
The Navy's Special Warfare Command (NSW) will begin randomly testing its special operators for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) following the death of a SEAL trainee in February 2022. The testing will be in addition to the Navy's regular random testing for illicit street drugs. The move comes after an investigation into the trainee's death revealed the presence of illegally obtained PEDs. The command aims to ensure that all personnel operate at their best while preserving the standards of excellence. The testing will begin in November, with 15% of randomly selected units undergoing urinalysis each month. The change in policy was inspired by an investigation into the safety and medical oversight of the trainee's SEAL class.
Exclusive DEA documents obtained by ESPN reveal the extent of the Biogenesis scandal, the largest performance-enhancing drugs operation in U.S. sports history. The documents expose the involvement of superstar athletes, including All-Stars, MVPs, and potential Hall of Fame candidates, who were linked to the Miami wellness clinic run by Tony Bosch. The investigation also uncovers the unsavory tactics used by attorneys and league officials, as well as the lengths athletes would go to gain an advantage and protect their images.
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener has been suspended for the first six games of the regular season due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Haener, a fourth-round pick, appeared in all three preseason games and will now be unavailable as Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston serve as backups to Derek Carr.