Jeff Teague's LeBron James Steroid Accusation: A Joke or a Slip of the Truth?

Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague sparked controversy in July 2025 after suggesting LeBron James used steroids during his career. The claim, made on his podcast Club 520, went viral before Teague backtracked and stated it was a joke. The incident has ignited widespread discussion among fans and raised questions about NBA drug testing and athlete longevity.

What Jeff Teague Said on the Podcast

Jeff Teague, who retired from the NBA in 2021, now co-hosts the Club 520 Podcast, where he often shares behind-the-scenes stories from his playing days. During a recent episode, Teague made a bold remark about four-time NBA champion LeBron James.

'Miami Heat Bron, he was on steroids, bro. They started testing for HGH, and he had to sit out. He said his back was hurting and he sat out 3 weeks... then came back skinny', Teague said. The statement was delivered casually, but its implications quickly drew widespread attention across social media platforms.

Although Teague offered no proof to support the claim, the clip was widely shared and dissected by fans and commentators, with many questioning the intent behind the remark.

Teague's Retraction and Social Media Clarification

In response to the viral backlash, Teague took to Instagram to clarify his statement. In a brief post, he wrote: 'Ya'll weird, I was joking about Bron. He was just that dominate chill'.

No further clarification was provided by Teague or his podcast team. While the comment was retracted, the initial quote continued to circulate, with many debating whether the retraction was genuine or a case of backtracking after public pressure.

The phrase 'joking' did little to quell discussions, as some fans speculated that the original comment may have hinted at something more than humour.

NBA Drug Testing Timeline and LeBron's Clean Record

The National Basketball Association officially implemented testing for human growth hormone (HGH) in the 2015–16 season. This timeline contradicts Teague's suggestion that LeBron was impacted by testing during his Miami Heat tenure, which spanned from 2010 to 2014.

James has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing substances and was cleared of involvement during the 2013 Biogenesis scandal, which primarily implicated Major League Baseball players. The NBA does not publicly disclose drug test results unless a player is suspended or penalised, and LeBron has never faced disciplinary action related to doping.

What Is Lebron James' Response to Jeff Teague Amid Widespread Media Coverage?

Following the podcast episode, multiple sports news outlets reported on Jeff Teague's comment. These reports highlighted the specific quote, the context in which it was said, and Teague's subsequent retraction via Instagram.

Clips from the episode quickly gained traction online, with the original quote circulated across social media platforms. According to engagement metrics on X and Reddit, the video was shared thousands of times within 24 hours, prompting headlines in both national and niche sports publications.

Teague's clarification also became a topic of coverage, as media outlets documented his attempt to dismiss the claim as a joke. No official response was issued by LeBron James or representatives from the NBA regarding the comment.

Why the Joke Struck a Nerve

Teague's comments, although retracted, tap into an ongoing public fascination with performance-enhancing drugs in elite sport. Fans have long speculated about how top athletes maintain peak performance over decades, and even unproven statements can influence perception.

As a former player, Teague's voice carries weight. While he may not have intended to spark a steroid debate, his words have reignited a broader conversation about trust, transparency and legacy in the NBA.