Advocating for the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in competition, the Enhanced Games have faced severe backlash from major sporting authorities like the International Olympic Committee and World Athletics. Despite this, the event continues to gain attention, with recent updates adding fuel to the fire. In February 2024, Australian swimmer James Magnussen turned heads by announcing his intent to “juice to the gills” for a chance at the $1.5 million prize in the Enhanced Games.

Now, as boxing star Ryan Garcia is embroiled in a doping scandal, the Enhanced Games have once again sparked controversy and invited the 25-year-old to participate in the event. What’s even more interesting is that this invite comes right after the Enhanced Games poked fun at Pep Guardiola’s old doping controversy and a recent brawl in the NASCAR community, showing off their knack for stirring up drama in the sports world.

Ryan Garcia invited to be part of the Enhanced Games

In an Instagram story update, Enhanced Games shared a post from theScore that read, “Boxing star Ryan Garcia’s B samples came back positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine.” Alongside the post, Enhanced Games wrote in the caption, “Breaking news: Happy to welcome @kingryan to the @enhanced_games.” Ryan Garcia found himself in hot water after his A-sample, taken around his surprising win over Devin Haney, tested positive for Ostarine on May 1.

Boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported that Garcia failed urine tests before and on the day of the fight, both showing positive for Ostarine. Garcia angrily denied the allegations, saying, “Fake f***ing news, don’t believe these f***ers, bro. I never f***ing took a steroid in my f***ing life.” Ostarine helps build muscle and lose weight quickly, which could be a big advantage in a fight. Garcia requested a B-sample test, but it also came back positive.

In now-deleted tweets, Garcia sarcastically wrote, “Let’s go we positive. Positive vibes bruh. Yess so happy.” Garcia’s team argued the positive result might be due to contaminated supplements and even tested his hair to prove it. Meanwhile, Haney’s team wants the fight result overturned.

The New York State Athletic Commission is investigating, and until a decision is made, Garcia’s career is in limbo. The Enhanced Games’ invite amid this controversy only adds fuel to the fire, blurring the line between a genuine offer and a taunt, especially given their recent provocations involving Pep Guardiola and the NASCAR community.

How the games have been causing drama

Manchester City has been crowned 2023/24 Premier League champions, becoming the first men’s team in English football history to win four consecutive Premier League titles. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance, City has now claimed the title six times in the last seven seasons.

This remarkable achievement, however, hasn’t come without its challenges for Guardiola. Back in 2001, during his playing career, the Spaniard tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone, leading to significant controversy and scrutiny. Despite this, his coaching skills have been instrumental in Manchester City’s success.

The Enhanced Games, known for their provocative social media presence, decided to mock Guardiola’s past doping controversy while congratulating him on the recent victory. Enhanced Games posted on their X account, sharing images of Pep Guardiola along with a celebratory message: “🏆Congrats @ManCity for your historic 4th consecutive @premierleague title. And to our favourite Enhanced football coach, Pep Guardiola, for his 6th @premierleague title. 😎⚽️”

Soon after this incident, a fight broke out between NASCAR drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch in North Carolina, becoming a hot topic for fans and commentators alike. The altercation happened during the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, starting with an aggressive racing move by Stenhouse, which led to Busch retaliating. The situation escalated when Stenhouse threw a punch at Busch after the race.

Enhanced Games jumped on the buzz, retweeting a NASCAR post showing the confrontation and adding a sarcastic comment, writing, “Hey @NASCAR your drivers are allowed to compete and fight at the @enhanced_games but please, Enhance them… 🤣🤡”  These incidents highlight Enhanced Games’ strategy of using social media to provoke and incite reactions within the sports world through sarcastic messaging. Reflecting on these provocations, do you think the invitation to Ryan Garcia was genuine or just another taunt? Share your thoughts in the comments below!