Tiger Woods is the favorite of fans and news media alike. He makes news and shots with a peculiar talent. News on Tiger Woods comes with all decor – championships, scores, pars, earnings, and everything that makes a sportsperson a star.
But it is the scandals, infidelity, drugs, alcohol, rash driving, and other disgraceful storylines that attract the press to Tiger Woods. And, speaking of drugs, there have been accusations of Tiger Woods taking steroids.
The news of an athlete on steroids works like any other news but ‘on steroids!’ Responses – both defenses and outcries – follow. One piece of news and everything snowballs until you get more to write about.
With his history of making sensational news and great golfing results, Tiger Woods has been accused of using PEDs on many occasions. Press, critics, and colleagues have called out Woods for drug use. Let’s take a deep dive into the accusations against him over the years.
Steroid Use Accusations against Tiger Woods
Performance-enhancing drugs or PEDs help an athlete take their performance beyond their natural gifts and hard work. They are therefore illegal to use by sportspersons close to their events.
One such accusation against Woods, of PED use, came from his former doctor from Canada, Dr. Anthony Galea. The doctor was authorized to treat Tiger Woods in late 2010. But Dr. Galea admitted to the court in 2011 that he had smuggled illegal drugs and hormonal medications into the United States.
The list of drugs Dr. Galea brought in included injectable Human Growth Hormones (HGHs). These are used to improve the performance of PEDs – quite the paradox! Steroids and HGHs together help you burn energy faster. The combination helps you gain muscles, power, and control over muscle movement.
Now how does that point to Tiger Woods’ steroid use? Woods went from T6s and missing halfway cuts in 2009 to better positions in 2010 – only to dip back to T40s in 2012. Personal issues might have been a trigger. But they do not stop the word from spreading. The news surfaced on Golf Digest in 2014 and still echoes in 2023.
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He was also older in 2009 than in his better years. Again, negative publicity will only help to paint a villain. Launching TGR Foundation and Tiger Woods Design in 2011 did not help clean his image enough to stop people from accusing him of steroid use.
In 2017, Woods had a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) from the PGA. Although he was not found under the influence at his golf events, he was arrested for hoarding illegal substances that year. The TUE may have been a precaution.
Tear in the ‘Achilles Heel’: Redemption, Lavation, and Holy Blood
Intoxication had been Tiger Woods’ ‘Achilles Heel’. His redemption though came through his heel too! While all blood tests, incidents, and accidents defamed Woods, Plantar Fasciitis came to whitewash him.
Tiger Woods was found limping earlier this year in April, at the 2023 Masters. Speculations, theories, and criticism launched. Many doubted his career was at risk. Many accused him of ruining his career by subjecting his body and life to too much. And many accused him of more drug use.
On April 9, Woods stated on Twitter that he was “…disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis…” He thanked the event and his fans for their support and prayers. This changed things.
Turns out, Steroids are a legit treatment for plantar fasciitis. Fans now had enough reason to shoot down accusations of illegal Steroid use. Although the condition came in 2023, fans painted the hero they wanted. But not every tongue was tied, nor was every head wrapped around Woods’ heel.
UFC veteran claims Tiger Woods cheated: On what grounds is an ex-MMA star saying Woods used drugs?
MMA and UFC star Chael Sonnen has accused Tiger Woods of PED use. Woods is not the only sportsperson Sonnen has accused of drug use. Basketball player LeBron James has been accused by the “American Gangster” too.
Chael Sonnen was fired from UFC’s analyst role after being tested positive for Endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) and HGHs. His interviews after the incident had been loaded with allegations and anger.
There is no way to be sure of Tiger Woods’ drug use from Sonnen’s words alone. Woods have not yet tested positive for any illegal drugs at any events he has played at or won. He could be great at hiding it, which is too unlikely. Or, he could just be that good!