SI NOW
EDDIE GEORGE
The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, from Ohio State, and former NFL running back discusses with SI Now host Maggie Gray why he thinks PEDs are tied to the recent assault cases in the NFL
MAGGIE GRAY:You implied some of the NFL's domestic violence issues may be related to PEDs. What drew you to that conclusion?
EDDIE GEORGE: You know, it's just a theory that I have. I've seen guys change and transform [their bodies] over a year. You know, from a guy who runs a 4.6 and is 200 pounds, and then he comes back the next year and he's 250, running a 4.3. I know you diet, but that's a heck of a diet. And I can see how that can change your hormones and your attitude. I figure that from the time that I played until now, there have been a lot of issues off the field that have been violent, and it could be related to that.
MG:How rampant are PEDs in the NFL?
EG: I think when you look at it, in all sports, I think it's rampant. It's tough for me to put my mind around how somebody can come back from an injury that takes typically a year to heal from and be back in three or four months.
MG:Could you put a percentage on the guys you think are juicing in the NFL?
EG: I couldn't put a percentage on that. I just know, based on my own experience, how I was approached about doing [PEDs], because I had just had toe surgery and they were saying that not only could I come back but that I could come back a better athlete.
MG:Was that the team that came to you?
EG: No, no. No team. This was outside of the NFL. I'm talking back during the BALCO days.
For more of George's interview, plus the SI Now archive, go to SI.com/video
"I think when you look at it, in all sports, I think it's rampant."
—Eddie George
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