From: officialflagrant
The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports is a complex and often controversial topic, impacting athletes’ performance, careers, and the integrity of competition [01:38:53].
Rationale for PED Use
Athletes may use PEDs to gain an advantage in competition [01:39:11]. The rigorous training required for combat sports, for instance, can lead to severe mental and physical exhaustion; one fighter described waking up “depressed” daily due to the demands [01:39:47]. PEDs aid in recovery, making it feel like a “distant memory” by the next morning [01:40:01].
Perceived Benefits
PEDs can make athletes “bigger, stronger, faster” [01:40:12].
- Strength is a significant advantage [01:39:42].
- Recovery is described as “incredible” [01:40:01].
- PEDs are viewed as “medicine” designed to “make you better,” similar to any other medical treatment [01:39:00].
Types of PEDs Mentioned
The “big three” performance enhancers are:
- EPO (Erythropoietin): Increases red blood cells, enhancing endurance [01:40:55] [01:41:02]. It is considered “king” for stamina [01:41:17].
- Growth Hormone (GH) [01:40:42].
- Testosterone [01:40:42]. Pure testosterone can be taken [01:41:43].
- HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Used to naturally boost testosterone [01:41:48] [01:41:52].
- Peptides: Mentioned as a newer trend, especially among Hollywood figures [01:41:57].
Testing and Loopholes
While testing exists, there are known methods to evade detection:
- Out-of-competition testing became a significant challenge because testers could show up unannounced [01:41:41].
- IV (Intravenous) Flushing: This method can rapidly flush substances out of the body, allowing an athlete to pass a drug test within hours [01:52:49] [01:53:15]. This technique was reportedly used by Lance Armstrong [01:52:49]. Organizations like USADA attempted to combat this by claiming they could detect plastic particles from IV use, but this claim is disputed [01:53:26] [01:53:43].
- Dosage Limits: Even if an IV is detected, regulations often specify a limit on the volume of liquid allowed (e.g., 30ml) rather than total quantity over time [01:53:55]. This loophole means an athlete could potentially administer multiple 30ml IVs throughout a day without technically violating the rule as currently written [01:53:58] [01:54:03].
Controversies and Accusations
- Islam Makhachev IV Situation: A nurse claimed Islam Makhachev used an IV, which could be a violation depending on what was infused and the dosage [01:49:40] [01:50:41]. The individual who outed him was criticized for violating patient privacy (HIPPA) [01:50:56] [01:51:00].
- Jon Jones: Has failed multiple drug tests, a fact openly discussed in relation to his career trajectory [02:26:34] [00:00:16].
- LeBron James: Implicated in using EPO due to an alleged shared “drug guy” with a fighter [01:40:32] [01:40:57]. This claim suggests that if other basketball players understood the effects of performance enhancers, it would be a major revelation [01:40:18].
- Tiger Woods: The only golfer mentioned who allegedly follows the “big three” PED regimen (EPO, growth hormone, testosterone) [01:40:40] [01:40:46].
Regulation and Athlete Responsibility
While “steroids are bad” and “performance enhancers are bad” are common statements, it is argued that this applies to abuse rather than use [01:43:00] [01:43:08]. The problem often arises when athletes are given substances to take home, leading to self-administration beyond recommended levels [01:43:13] [01:43:21].
It is suggested that most professional athletes, particularly in the NFL, look “ridiculous” due to their physiques, implying widespread PED use [01:54:23]. However, it is also noted that very few athletes in basketball or golf are known to use them [01:54:30].
A fighter admitted to intentionally using performance enhancers to gain an advantage, stating they “wouldn’t have taken it if [they] didn’t think [it would] give [them] an advantage” [01:39:14]. This highlights a perspective where the goal is to cheat within the rules or push boundaries for competitive gain [01:38:51].