Cale Hooker set to train with US sports teams as part of training program during ban

CALE Hooker could be training alongside basketball superstar LeBron James by mid-year, with the banned Essendon defender set for a stint in the US.

Round 18: Western Bulldogs v Essendon AFLR1814 Picture:Wayne Ludbey Cale Hooker tackled Liam Picken

CALE Hooker could be training alongside basketball superstar LeBron James by mid-year, with the banned Essendon defender set for a stint in the US.

The Herald Sun has learned Hooker is in talks with NBA powerhouse Cleveland Cavaliers, NFL club Cincinnati Bengals and MLB’s Cincinnati Reds as he plans for his year in exile.

Hooker, one of 12 Bombers ordered to sit out the AFL season for his involvement in the supplement scandal, responded to his doping ban by contacting a number of American sporting clubs.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner is keen to gain access to different training habits and facilities to make the most of his enforced time out of the AFL.

American sporting organisations aren’t governed by the WADA code, meaning Hooker would be permitted to train with an NBA, NFL or MLB club.

Hooker sent emails and a video highlights package to a stack of teams. Nothing is finalised, but it’s understood talks have progressed with the three Ohio organisations, particularly the Cavaliers.

NBA superstar LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 2015 NBA runner-up is home to Australian point-guard Matthew Dellavedova and Melbourne-born Kyrie Irving.

Hooker is also in discussions with a personal trainer of superstar New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The 27-year-old is determined not to let the year go to waste and plans to train for two months in the US before embarking on a one-month European holiday prior to his AFL return.

Hooker remains the subject of intense speculation about his playing future. The 2014 All-Australian has reportedly been offered a lucrative long-term contract from the Fremantle Dockers.

Hooker is one of the game’s most prized free agents, but with his banned teammates could leave Essendon at season’s end as a delisted free agent because of the supplement scandal.

Cale Hooker trains with other banned AFL players.

There has been speculation the Dons could be willing to let the defender leave in exchange for attractive compensation, but the club is determined to hang on to him.

The Bombers are said to be willing to pay up to $750,000 a year to keep Hooker, who will be 28 by the start of the 2017 season.

The athletic stopper has been training with a small group of banned teammates under the tutelage of fitness guru David Buttifant and former Essendon assistant coach Sean Wellman.