Jason Kelce has apologized for suggesting that legendary racehorse Secretariat was given steroids during its Triple Crown run in 1973. He made the comments during a podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce, sparking online backlash from horse racing fans. Kelce later apologized on social media, acknowledging that it was unfair to make assumptions without proof and that he did not intend to take away from Secretariat’s legacy.
During the podcast, Kelce claimed that Secretariat was likely doping due to the rampant steroid use in the 1970s, suggesting that this was a factor in the horse’s record-breaking performances. His comments were met with criticism from fans who praised Secretariat’s natural abilities and achievements. Kelce responded to the backlash with a detailed explanation on social media, highlighting the lack of testing in Secretariat’s time and expressing skepticism about the horse’s accomplishments.
When Secretariat passed away in 1989, a necropsy revealed that the horse had an enlarged heart, which some believe contributed to its success on the racetrack. Dr. Thomas Swerczek, a professor of veterinary science, noted that Secretariat’s heart was significantly larger than average but showed no signs of artificial enlargement. This discovery led many to attribute Secretariat’s exceptional performance to its physical attributes rather than the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The family of Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, strongly refuted Kelce’s comments, stating that Secretariat was never given performance-enhancing drugs. They emphasized that the horse’s achievements were a result of its natural abilities and the exceptional care it received during its racing career. Despite Kelce’s speculation, which he later admitted was based on limited knowledge of Secretariat’s history, the family maintains that the horse’s success was legitimate.
Kelce’s apology and clarification on social media aimed to address the controversy surrounding his remarks about Secretariat and the use of steroids in horse racing. While the retired lineman initially made the comments in a podcast discussion with his brother, the widespread backlash from fans and the subsequent response from Secretariat’s family prompted Kelce to reflect on the impact of his words. He acknowledged the importance of factual accuracy and respect for the legacies of iconic figures like Secretariat.
Ultimately, the debate over Secretariat’s performance and the use of steroids in horse racing continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and experts. While Kelce’s comments sparked controversy, they also raised awareness of the need for evidence-based discussions about historical achievements in sports. The legacy of Secretariat remains intact, with the horse’s extraordinary talents and accomplishments remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.
