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Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis was suspended ten games for testing positive for elevated testosterone levels.
“Toward the end of the season I took an over-the-counter supplement which at the time I did not realize included a substance banned by the NBA,” Lewis said. “I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert in the field.”
The substance that Lewis referred to is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), a precursor for human steroid that is commonly found in over-the-counter nutritional supplements. DHEA is a naturally occurring substance in the body, but elevated levels suggest an additional supply, such as that from a nutritional supplement.
"I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment," Lewis said in the statement. "I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character.
The news that Rashard Lewis will sit the first ten games of the 2009-2010 season without pay comes as a blow to Magic fans, who witnessed the team go to the NBA finals for the first time since 1995, when Shaquille O’Neal was still on the team.
Lewis had an integral role in leading the Magic to the finals last year, averaging 19.0 points in the playoffs, as well as 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Last season marked Lewis’ eleventh in the NBA. He averaged 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 79 games.
Steroid and other performance-enhancing supplements have been in the national spotlight for quite some time now. Football players, cyclists, and most notably Major League Baseball players have had their fair share of attention on the topic. But for the NBA, steroid use has been relatively quiet, with many comments hinting at the idea that these types of performance enhancers would not help in basketball. Athletes in other sports have come under heavy questioning on the subject, but basketball players have been saved from this.
With Lewis being indicated, he adds to the list of NBA athletes who have been confirmed as using steroids, a list that already included Darius Miles, Lindsey Hunter, Don MacLean, Matt Geiger, and Soumalia Samake.
The question is, will the NBA begin to be scrutinized as the MLB has been? Should it be? There are undoubtedly more players using similar performance-enhancing products, many of which are slipping under the radar. With Rashard Lewis being added to the list, watch for more names to come.
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