Former NFL star Jason Kelce has issued an apology on social media after suggesting that the legendary racehorse Secretariat was on steroids during its Triple Crown-winning years.
On the May 8 episode of his “New Heights” podcast with brother Travis, Kelce commented on the exceptional speed of the 1973 Triple Crown winner, suggesting the horse was “juiced to the gills.” His remarks sparked a backlash among horse racing enthusiasts on X, previously known as Twitter.
Initially, Kelce defended his statements, citing the lack of rigorous drug testing in 1973 and pointing to Secretariat’s extraordinary physique and enlarged heart at death as indicators of possible steroid use. He noted, “The horse had unparalleled muscular stature and raced at a time when steroids were extremely prevalent, without adequate testing, which raises flags in my book… If Secretariat was indeed a natural horse, that would make his accomplishments all the more impressive.”
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Kelce further explained his skepticism due to the era’s lack of testing and the dominance of the horse, while still acknowledging Secretariat’s natural abilities and the possibility that he was not enhanced. He also compared the situation to Barry Bonds in MLB, acknowledging that while Bonds is considered one of the greatest hitters, it is known he used performance-enhancing drugs.
However, as the controversy persisted, Kelce took to X to express his regrets, stating, “I’m sorry everyone, wasn’t trying to get people riled up, I really thought it was just known that in the 70s steroid use was rampant. I’m not trying to take away from Secretariat’s, or anyone from that era’s legacy. You’re right, without proof it is unfair to assume these things publicly, I apologize.”
Despite his earlier comments, Kelce affirmed that Secretariat’s records, which include the fastest times still standing at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes 51 years later, are undoubtedly significant.