WWE Star Roman Reigns Linked To Multimillion Steroid Ring: Here's His Response
WWE superstar Roman Reigns has been linked to a $10 million steroid ring operated by jailed steroid dealer Richard Rodriguez.
Rodriguez Named As Dealer's Clients
Rodriguez, whose Miami-based company Wellness Fitness Nutrition was raided by the Drug Enforcement Agency in February last year following a yearlong investigation, named Reigns as one of his clients.
Filmmaker Jon Bravo shared a recording of a phone call with Rodriguez from the Brooklyn Detention Center in New York, where the steroid distributor is currently being held. In the recording, Rodriguez lists Reigns as one of his customers along with actors Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel.
Bravo is a filmmaker who is working on a film to uncover the mystery behind Rodriguez's steroid operation. Rodriguez was accused of running an illicit distribution chain by importing products from China and using them to manufacture illegal steroids in Arizona before selling them out of Miami.
According to Forbes, the operation hauled in more than $10 million by distributing illegal anabolic steroids.
Reigns To Face Suspension?
If Reigns involvement is proved, he could be facing a suspension from WWE for 60 days for a second strike.
The 32-year-old has previously violated a WWE Wellness Policy in June 2016 after he tested positive for Adderall, which is a banned substance across all major sporting leagues. The violation cost him a 30-day suspension from the WWE. A third strike would result in the termination of Reigns' contract with WWE.
Reigns cannot afford a suspension right now, especially if it means he would have to miss WrestleMania 34, which he is likely to headline in April along with Brock Lesnar.
Reigns Responds To Allegations
Shortly after Rodriguez's allegations surfaced, Reigns released an official statement vehemently denying any involvement with Rodriguez's illegal steroid ring.
"I have never heard of Richard Rodriguez or Wellness Fitness Nutrition," the wrestler said in a statement to Wrestling Inc. "I learned from the mistake I made nearly two years ago and paid the penalty for it. Since then, I've passed 11 tests as part of WWE's independent drug testing program."
This isn't the first time WWE stars have been named in an alleged steroid scandal. In 2007, the infamous Signature Pharmacy steroid ring implicated the likes of Randy Orton, Robert "Booker T" Huffman, Chris Benoit, John "Johnny Nitro" Hennigan, Eddie "Umaga" Fatu and Chavo Guerrero among others.
Listen to Rodriguez's phone recording in the video below:
