I suppose I have been the silly and naïve person all along, it seems that I have no idea and had no idea that actually in fact, all of these individuals were addicted to taking steroids without my knowledge.
One of my theories is that a lot of individuals who are bald also takes steroids. Why?
Let us think about some of the greatest basketball players in history, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and not LeBron James… Who seems to have a receding hairline. What is the issue here? Often steroid use or performance enhancing drug use causes men to have hair loss. Either to go fully bald, or bald spots.
Even when I was in high school playing American football, I found it very bizarre that some of the guys on the team, technically just high school juniors or seniors were already going bald! Maybe they were on something.
How do you know if somebody takes steroids or not?
The only positive way to know 100% is whether they have admitted to it. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Research
Tell me more about bodybuilders who have admitted to taking steroids.
ChatGPT:
Steroid use is more openly discussed in the bodybuilding community compared to professional sports. Some bodybuilders have come forward and admitted to using steroids, either during their careers or after retirement. Here are a few notable names:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: One of the most iconic figures in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger admitted in several interviews to using steroids during his competitive bodybuilding days. However, he has emphasized that he used them before they were illegal and has since advocated against their misuse.
- Dorian Yates: The six-time Mr. Olympia winner has been open about his steroid use, discussing it in interviews and documentaries. Yates has detailed his approach to steroids, emphasizing that they were just one part of his bodybuilding regimen.
- Lee Priest: An Australian bodybuilder known for his impressive physique, Priest has admitted to using steroids and has spoken candidly about it in interviews. He has stated that steroids alone aren’t responsible for a top-level physique; hard work and genetics play significant roles.
- Rich Piana: Before his passing, Piana was vocal about his extensive use of steroids and other PEDs. He discussed his drug use on his YouTube channel and in interviews, emphasizing the risks and encouraging informed decisions.
- Flex Wheeler: Wheeler, another top-level bodybuilder, has discussed using steroids during his career. He has also highlighted the importance of understanding the substances and consulting medical professionals.
It’s essential to understand that while these bodybuilders have admitted to using steroids, they have also often emphasized the importance of hard work, nutrition, genetics, and other factors in achieving their physiques. They have also often stressed that steroids come with risks and potential side effects.
Many bodybuilders, especially at the elite level, may use steroids or other PEDs, but not all of them speak openly about it. This is due to the stigma associated with steroid use, potential legal repercussions, and concerns about influencing younger athletes.
Also— apparently, a lot of people take steroids who you wouldn’t suspect for taking steroids, like people who do yoga, rock climbing, calisthenics, and let us not forget that even a lot of vegan bodybuilders and vegan strong men and vegan power lifters are also on steroids!
Are there any instances in which professional basketball players admitted to taking steroids?
ChatGPT:
As of my last update in January 2022, several professional basketball players have faced suspensions or penalties related to violations of the NBA’s anti-drug program, which includes performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). However, it’s important to distinguish between players who were penalized for using PEDs and those who actually admitted to using them. Many players have denied knowingly using banned substances, attributing positive tests to tainted supplements or medications.
A few notable instances include:
- Rashard Lewis (2009): The Orlando Magic forward was suspended for 10 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Lewis stated that he took an over-the-counter supplement that included a substance he didn’t realize was banned by the NBA.
- Hedo Türkoğlu (2013): The Orlando Magic forward was suspended for 20 games after testing positive for methenolone, an anabolic steroid. Türkoğlu stated that he had taken medication to treat a shoulder injury and was unaware it contained a banned substance.
- Joakim Noah (2017): The New York Knicks center was suspended for 20 games after testing positive for an over-the-counter supplement that was not approved by the FDA.
These are just a few examples. It’s crucial to note that the NBA’s anti-drug program not only bans steroids but also various other substances. Some players might test positive for other reasons, such as recreational drug use or banned stimulants.
Moreover, players from other basketball leagues worldwide might have faced similar issues. The global nature of basketball means that players in various countries and leagues may have different experiences with PED testing and regulations.