(Cupventi.com) – Persistent allegations of performance-enhancing drug use have shadowed Tiger Woods throughout his illustrious golf career, despite his monumental achievements on the course. The rumors have resurfaced, thanks to former PGA Tour professional Mark Lye’s recent statements during an interview on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich.”
During the interview, host Dan Dakich queried if there was a general consensus among golf insiders that Woods might have used steroids. Lye responded affirmatively, indicating that except for Woods’ close associates, the suspicion was widespread. “Yes, that is. It is except for the people in Tiger’s corner. ‘You better shut up about it.’ Nobody ever gone out like that,” Lye explained. He further stressed, “Nobody’s ever said that like I’m saying it right now. There’s just no doubt. And I would say about 80 or 90% of the people out there know something ain’t right.”
Lye, who claimed his own PGA Tour victory in 1983 and secured a notable sixth-place finish at the 1984 Masters, did not provide further details, but he is not the first to suggest such theories about Woods.
In the sphere of golf, the discussion around Woods and performance-enhancing drugs gained traction notably after his involvement with controversial Canadian physician Anthony Galea was highlighted. Galea, who faced legal issues in the U.S. for his treatments, was mentioned in the 2014 book “Blood Sport: Alex Rodriguez, Biogenesis and the Quest to End Baseball’s Steroid Era.” During that period, Woods’ former swing coach, Hank Haney, in an interview with Golf Digest, defended Woods, saying he never witnessed Woods engaging in such activities and expressed doubts about the benefits of steroids in golf.
Further stirring the controversy, former PGA Tour player Dan Olsen claimed in July 2015 that Woods had been secretly suspended for a drug test failure, a statement he later withdrew. This allegation was strongly refuted by Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, as well as the PGA Tour, both declaring the claims baseless. “Absolutely, unequivocally and completely false,” Steinberg emphasized at the time.
Responses to the renewed allegations have been limited. Steinberg did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding Lye’s recent remarks. Meanwhile, Woods participated in the Masters at Augusta this past weekend, finishing the tournament 16-over par, marking one of his poorest performances.
The recurrent nature of these allegations, juxtaposed with Woods’ continued participation in high-profile tournaments, underscores a complex legacy—one marked by unparalleled success and persistent, unverified claims that provoke debates on the integrity of sporting achievements.