BREAKING: In a surprise press conference held at Gampel Pavilion, UConn Huskies’ star player Azzi Fudd appeared with red eyes and a trembling voice, admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to “maintain peak performance” after an injury. “I…

I made a mistake…” The entire sports world was shocked, fans split into factions supporting or boycotting him, and the league was shaken!

In a moment that has sent shockwaves through women’s college basketball, University of Connecticut star guard Azzi Fudd held an impromptu press conference at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 13, 2026, where she tearfully confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

The admission comes amid her breakout season, where she has helped lead the undefeated No. 1 Huskies (17-0, 8-0 Big East) to dominance, averaging a career-high 17.9 points per game with elite shooting splits (.493/.485/1.000).

Fudd, a redshirt senior and former No. 1 high school recruit, appeared visibly emotional—eyes red from crying, voice shaking—as she addressed a stunned media contingent and a small group of teammates and staff. “I… I made a mistake,” she said, pausing frequently to compose herself.

“After years of battling injuries—ACL tears, meniscus damage, foot issues—I’ve pushed my body to the limit. To maintain peak performance and stay on the court for my team, I turned to PEDs. It was wrong, and I’m deeply sorry to my coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone who’s believed in me.”

The confession references Fudd’s well-documented injury history.

Since arriving at UConn in 2021, she has endured multiple setbacks: a high school ACL/MCL tear in 2019 requiring two surgeries, a freshman-year foot injury missing 11 games, a sophomore knee issue sidelining her for 22 contests, and a devastating ACL/meniscus tear in November 2023 that limited her to just two games in 2023-24.

She returned stronger in 2024-25, contributing to UConn’s national championship, and has thrived in 2025-26, earning midseason Wooden Award watchlist honors alongside teammate Sarah Strong.

Sources close to the program indicate the PED use stemmed from desperation to avoid further setbacks.

Fudd emphasized it was not for unfair advantage in games but to “recover and compete at the level expected of me.” She did not specify the substances or duration but stated she has voluntarily informed NCAA officials and is cooperating fully with any investigation.

The reaction was immediate and polarized. Social media exploded with #StandWithAzzi and #BoycottAzzi trending within hours. Supporters pointed to her injury-plagued career and the immense pressure on elite athletes, drawing parallels to mental health struggles in sports.

Critics, including some former players and analysts, called for severe penalties, arguing it undermines the integrity of women’s basketball amid growing scrutiny over doping.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, known for his no-nonsense approach, issued a brief statement: “Azzi came forward voluntarily. This is heartbreaking for everyone involved.

We will support her through the process while upholding the standards of our program.” The university athletic department confirmed an internal review and NCAA notification, with potential sanctions ranging from suspension to program probation.

Fudd’s teammates, including standout forward Sarah Strong (leading the team in multiple categories), expressed mixed emotions in private. One anonymous player told reporters, “She’s our leader. This hurts, but we know her heart. We’ve all seen what she’s overcome.”

The timing is particularly devastating for UConn, fresh off a dominant win over Creighton (95-54) on January 11, where Fudd contributed 14 points and five assists. The Huskies host Villanova on January 15 at Gampel Pavilion in a Throwback Night honoring past champions—now overshadowed by this scandal.

As a projected top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft (battling Spain’s Awa Fam for No. 1), Fudd’s future hangs in the balance.

This incident highlights broader issues in college athletics: the toll of recurring injuries, the pressure to perform under NIL deals and pro expectations, and the ethical lines athletes navigate. Fudd’s raw vulnerability—tears streaming as she apologized to young fans who idolize her—has humanized the controversy for many.

As the sports world digests the news, questions loom: Will Fudd face a multi-game suspension? Could this derail UConn’s bid for back-to-back titles? And how will the Huskies rally without their emotional anchor?

One thing is clear: Azzi Fudd’s courageous, if painful, admission has forever altered the narrative of one of the most talented—and resilient—players in recent college basketball history. The road ahead will test her forgiveness, her team’s unity, and the sport’s commitment to clean competition.