Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have long been a controversial topic in sports. While some athletes saw their reputations tarnished beyond repair, others managed to remain cultural icons despite their transgressions.
Whether through undeniable talent, redemption arcs, or sheer dominance, these athletes left a lasting impact on their respective sports—even after being caught using PEDs.
1. Lance Armstrong (Cycling)
Few athletes have experienced a rise and fall as dramatic as Lance Armstrong. After beating cancer, he dominated the Tour de France, winning seven consecutive titles from 1999 to 2005. However, his legacy took a hit when he admitted to doping in 2013. Despite the scandal, Armstrong remains a symbol of perseverance and cancer awareness through his Livestrong foundation.
2. Barry Bonds (Baseball)
Barry Bonds is arguably the greatest hitter in baseball history, setting records for career home runs (762) and single-season home runs (73). While his association with the BALCO scandal and steroid use cost him a spot in the Hall of Fame (so far), Bonds’ impact on the game is undeniable. He remains one of the most feared sluggers ever to step up to the plate.
3. Alex Rodriguez (Baseball)
A-Rod was one of the most talented and well-paid players in MLB history, but his reputation took a hit when he admitted to using PEDs. He served a lengthy suspension in 2014 but returned to finish his career strong. Since retiring, Rodriguez has reinvented himself as a respected analyst and businessman, proving that redemption is possible even after a major scandal.
4. Marion Jones (Track & Field)
Marion Jones was once the face of U.S. track and field, winning five medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. However, her career came crashing down when she admitted to using PEDs, leading to her medals being stripped. Despite her downfall, Jones remains an inspiration for resilience, working as a motivational speaker and advocate for second chances.
5. Mark McGwire (Baseball)
McGwire’s home run battle with Sammy Sosa in 1998 helped rejuvenate baseball. Though he later admitted to using steroids, he remains a beloved figure in the sport, working as a hitting coach and mentor to younger players. His influence on the game and the power-hitting era cannot be overlooked.
6. Sammy Sosa (Baseball)
Like McGwire, Sosa was a central figure in baseball’s power surge of the late ’90s. His PED use tainted his legacy, but his influence on baseball and Dominican pride remains significant. The image of Sosa celebrating after home runs is still one of the most iconic in the sport’s history.
7. Ben Johnson (Track & Field)
At the 1988 Olympics, Ben Johnson set a world record in the 100m sprint, defeating Carl Lewis in one of the most shocking performances ever. Days later, he was stripped of his gold medal due to steroid use. While his reputation suffered, Johnson remains a cautionary tale and a historical figure in the ongoing battle against doping in sports.
8. Jose Canseco (Baseball)
Canseco not only admitted to using PEDs but also exposed many other players in his book Juiced. While his credibility took a hit in some circles, he is still recognized for his contributions to the game and for forcing baseball to confront its steroid problem head-on.
9. Tyson Gay (Track & Field)
One of the fastest sprinters in history, Tyson Gay was a serious challenger to Usain Bolt. However, a doping violation in 2013 led to a brief suspension and the forfeiture of his medals. Despite this, he remains one of the greatest American sprinters ever and continues to be respected in track and field circles.
Related: Pro Athletes Who Were Banned By Their League
10. Anderson Silva (MMA)
Considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Silva tested positive for PEDs late in his career. While it slightly tainted his reputation, his dominance in the UFC and breathtaking performances in the octagon cemented his status as a legend in the sport.
Related: 13 MLB Legends Accused of Cheating Who Still Kept Playing
