Chad Ochocinco and Shannon Sharpe expressed skepticism about Luka Doncic’s rapid body transformation, joking he “probably took that Ozempic stuff” during a recent discussion.
Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks’ franchise cornerstone and one of the NBA’s most electrifying stars, has made headlines this offseason not just for his on-court dominance, but for a noticeably leaner physique. His dramatic body transformation caught the attention of NBA fans, analysts, and sports personalities across the spectrum. Among the loudest voices? Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who didn’t hold back during a recent appearance on Sharpe’s podcast Nightcap.
“He probably took that Ozempic stuff,” joked Ochocinco, referencing the now-famous diabetes drug that has surged in popularity for weight loss purposes. Sharpe chuckled in agreement, adding, “Ain’t no way he just woke up looking like that.” Their banter sparked a wave of conversation—not only about Dončić’s transformation but about the growing use of medical weight-loss aids among athletes and the role of appearance in professional sports.
So, what lies behind Luka’s transformation? Is the skepticism justified? And what does this say about how we treat athletes’ bodies in the modern sports era?
The Transformation That Sparked It All
Luka Dončić entered the NBA in 2018 as a 19-year-old European prodigy. Over the years, while his skill level and IQ consistently impressed, his conditioning and physique have been a frequent topic of debate. Critics often pointed out that Dončić, despite his elite play, would occasionally appear winded or sluggish during games, particularly late in the season or during long playoff series.
Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and the conversation has shifted dramatically. Photos and videos of Dončić surfaced from an overseas training camp, revealing a leaner, more toned version of the All-NBA guard. Social media erupted. Praise poured in, but so did speculation. How did Luka, known for his slightly stocky frame, seemingly shed pounds and gain muscle so quickly?
Ochocinco and Sharpe Enter the Chat
On a recent episode of Nightcap, a podcast known for unfiltered takes, Chad Ochocinco and Shannon Sharpe weighed in. Both former professional athletes with larger-than-life personalities, their commentary often walks the line between humor and insight.
“Listen, I know what that is,” said Ochocinco. “Ain’t no way he did all that just from running and lifting. He probably took that Ozempic stuff.”
Sharpe nodded, grinning. “You might be on to something. That ain’t normal offseason weight loss. That’s Hollywood-level transformation.”
While their comments were clearly made in jest, they echoed a larger public conversation about the use of drugs like Ozempic, which has exploded in popularity as a shortcut to shedding pounds.
Ozempic: The Weight Loss Drug That’s Everywhere
Originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a cultural phenomenon. The drug works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin, effectively helping users feel full longer and reduce caloric intake. While effective, it was never intended as a mainstream weight loss supplement—especially not for young, healthy athletes.
Still, stories have emerged of celebrities, influencers, and even athletes allegedly using it or similar drugs to transform their bodies quickly. For elite athletes, whose careers are often judged not just on performance but on image, the temptation to find an edge—legally or otherwise—has always existed.
Luka’s Camp: No Comment Yet
As of this writing, neither Luka Dončić nor his representatives have commented on the Ozempic remarks. The Mavericks organization has also remained silent, choosing instead to highlight Dončić’s commitment to offseason training and leadership.
Sources close to the team suggest that Luka took his conditioning seriously following the Mavs’ playoff exit. He reportedly hired a personal chef, adopted a new European-based conditioning program, and reduced his sugar and alcohol intake. Those changes, coupled with natural maturity and physical growth, could easily account for his new frame.
Public Reaction: Support, Doubt, and Humor
Fans on social media had a mixed reaction to Ochocinco and Sharpe’s commentary. Some took offense, claiming it minimized Dončić’s hard work and implied cheating. Others found the remarks hilarious and emblematic of how fast public figures latch onto trends like Ozempic.
One user wrote: “Don’t downplay Luka’s grind. He’s been hooping since he was 13 with grown men. Give him some credit.”
Another joked: “NBA should start testing for Ozempic now. Luka out here playing 4D chess.”
The Pressure on Athletes to Look the Part
At the heart of this controversy lies a deeper issue: the relentless scrutiny of athletes’ bodies. In sports media, appearance often becomes a proxy for effort or discipline. A player in peak physical shape is praised as dedicated and professional; one who gains weight or looks sluggish is branded lazy or unmotivated—regardless of their on-court performance.
Dončić’s case is unique because his transformation coincides with the maturation of his game. But it also feeds into a problematic narrative: that an elite athlete must look elite to be considered one. Ochocinco and Sharpe, intentionally or not, fed into this narrative, highlighting how even a legitimate physical change can be met with skepticism.
Athletes and Supplement Culture
The line between performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), legal supplements, and medical aids like Ozempic is increasingly blurry. While Ozempic is not on the NBA’s banned substances list, its off-label use by healthy individuals raises ethical questions. Should athletes disclose such usage if it offers a competitive edge? Is it fundamentally different from legal testosterone therapy or strict diet regimens?
For Dončić, the transformation—whether natural or aided—is a testament to his evolving professionalism. As he eyes an MVP and a potential NBA championship, his physical preparedness may become a critical edge.
Sharpe and Ochocinco: Entertainment or Misinformation?
Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson are known for their bold, provocative takes, often designed to entertain as much as inform. But in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, even offhand jokes can fuel false narratives. Sharpe, who has built a second career as a respected sports analyst and media personality, walks a fine line between entertainer and influencer.
Their exchange about Luka Dončić, while clearly laced with humor, might unintentionally cast doubt on the legitimacy of a young star’s hard work. That’s not to say athletes shouldn’t be questioned—but context and tone matter, especially in public discourse.
Conclusion: Let Luka Work
Whether or not Luka Dončić used Ozempic—or any other aid—to reshape his body may ultimately be irrelevant. What matters more is that he’s taken steps to improve his conditioning, address past criticisms, and prepare for a pivotal season in his career. The skepticism from figures like Chad Ochocinco and Shannon Sharpe is part of the sports entertainment machine, but it shouldn’t overshadow the work athletes like Dončić put in behind the scenes.
Dončić’s transformation should be viewed as a case study in how physical fitness intersects with performance, perception, and media narratives. It’s a reminder that in modern sports, how an athlete looks can sometimes overshadow how they play—and that even in moments of praise, skepticism lingers.
If Luka shows up in MVP form and leads the Mavericks deep into the playoffs, the jokes will fade. The results will speak louder than the skepticism.
