In the wake of Bonny James, son of the NBA legend LeBron James, suffering a cardiac arrest and being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit, Chael Sonnen, the renowned UFC analyst, offered a rather unconventional perspective on the situation. Known for his in-depth analysis of MMA matters, Sonnen suggested that the cardiac arrest could potentially be linked to EPO intake.
This perspective from the American grappling promoter sparked a range of reactions from basketball fans. While some appreciated Sonnen’s penchant for exploring different angles, others found his comments inappropriate, especially given the seriousness of the situation.
Chael Sonnen’s infamous take on LeBron James’ son’s cardiac arrest
During a practice session at the University of Southern California, the 18-year-old basketball player suffered a cardiac arrest, prompting concerns about his health and well-being. Chael Sonnen, the retired MMA fighter and UFC analyst, shared his perspective on the matter through Twitter.
“If you do not properly monitor, your EPO use you can experience cardiac arrest and die in your sleep. If you do not properly monitor your EPO use, and you go into cardiac arrest in front of other people there is a good chance somebody will get you help in time and you will survive.” Sonnen said.
If you do not properly monitor, your EPO use you can experience cardiac arrest and die in your sleep. If you do not properly monitor your EPO use, and you go into cardiac arrest in front of other people there is a good chance somebody will get you help in time and you will…
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) July 25, 2023
Sonnen suggested that the cardiac arrest may have been related to the usage of erythropoietin, commonly known as EPO, a banned substance in sports due to its potential to enhance an athlete’s performance.
“If you monitor your EPO use, but you combine it with testosterone you have a whole other set of problems in front of you. Hoping we can chalk this up to “lesson learned.” Sonnen added.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for LeBron James and his wife, Savannah, released a statement indicating that their son, Bonny, has been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit and is currently in the process of recovering.
Fans reaction to UFC HOFer’s remarks
The incident has brought attention to the seriousness of cardiac health concerns in young athletes and has also sparked discussions among fans regarding Chael’s take on EPO intake.
Bonny James had a cardiac arrest and people are already saying that it's the vaccine and that media said this was normal
1st. It's not the vaccine just because something bad happened it doesn't mean it's the vaccine
2nd. Noone is saying that it's normal for this to happen at 18— monkeybutt eli (@Monkeybutt_eli) July 25, 2023
“We know the kid is on EPO for sure? It’s a bold tweet homie, I trust you would not say it without knowledge that’s what is up here.” a user commented.
Johnny Utah mocked the MMA analyst by saying, “Dr. Sonnen, should I be cycling on and off on my 75mg vitamin C dosage? Two weeks on and two weeks off? I don’t want to become too jacked.”
If the scholarship does not have provisions for health problems, Bonny James may lose his scholarship. However, he may be able to appeal the decision if he can show that his health problems are temporary and that he will be able to return to school full-time in the future. (5/10)
— Davyc3🇳🇿 (@davyc3) July 25, 2023
Another user agreed with the UFC Hall of Famer by saying, “makes sense. 18 year old athletes don’t just start getting heart attacks randomly while working out, doesn’t matter how hard they were working lol”
Jason also appreciated Sonnen as he said, “Fellow Oregonian here and I just want to say thank you for always keeping it real my brotha! If you wanna grab a beer in Lake O and shoot the shit. Let me know.”
Feel like bonny belongs to all of us, we watched him grow up, toddling around on the court. Prayers for the James family.
— Carol Samsel (@carol_samsel) July 25, 2023
“Damn Unc, consider this was your son in this situation in 10 years or so… at this moment I think anything besides hoping he makes a full recovery is a bit unnecessary.” another user commented.
Bryant disagreed with Sonnen’s point of view by saying, “But when other people who are healthy are just falling over and it so happens that they’re fully vax, then its very sus and its not about monitoring epo, its about what the hell chemical did they put in your body.”
Hey Bonny & The James Family, hope you have a speedy recovery!! And, your physically and medically able to play many years of basketball in the NBA, like your Father LeBron!!!
— Brother West (@BrotherWest1) July 26, 2023
“More likely is forced chemical injections which were completely unnecessary but the entire system censored the leading experts on the matter… but what do I know, I’m just some dude online whose been listening to those experts.” another user commented.
Vernon, without showing any interest to dig deeper, expressed,” EPO is for elite athletes doing the hardest endurance sports and almost always with a dirty doctor. This kid was playing basketball you don’t need to be in peak athletic form for basketball. And if he was on test it would be a lot more obvious, it has to be the vax.”
Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at USC and was rushed to the hospital. Pray for Bronny 🙏😔 pic.twitter.com/WcJ8eGxnZ4
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) July 25, 2023
What’s your take on the whole incident surrounding Bonny James? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
