Did Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis attempt to use a banned substance to recover from his torn right triceps?
According to a piece published Tuesday on SI.com, Lewis is alleged to have attempted to obtain deer antler spray that contains IGF-1, a substance that is banned by the NFL and every other major professional sports league.
Asked about the story on Tuesday during Super Bowl XLVII Media Day, Lewis gave a quick reply that ended in "next question."
"Two years ago, that was the same report," Lewis said to reporters. "I wouldn't give that report or him any of my press. He's not worthy of that."
IGF-1 is a natural, anabolic hormone that stimulates muscle growth and plays an important role in childhood growth and development.
According to the SI story, Lewis reportedly called S.W.A.T.S. owner Mitch Ross following the injury. Ross reportedly "prescribed" an array of treatments, including the deer antler spray, to Lewis. S.W.A.T.S. (Sports with Alternatives to Steroids) is a sports science company that seeks to aid athletes in performance enhancement.
In June 2011, ProFootballTalk published a story about former NFL fullback Heath Evans admitting he used the spray in the past. Additionally, the NFL forced ex-Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson to stop promoting the substance last year.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters Tuesday that he was aware of the SI report but didn't know its specifics. He defended Lewis' drug-testing record. "Ray has passed every substance test in his career," Harbaugh said.
"He hasn't gotten suspended," Newsome said to ESPN. "So, I mean, if you test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, you get suspended right away, and he hasn't been suspended. We know that every player on the Baltimore Ravens, every player in the league, gets tested randomly all the time. Ray has never tested positively."
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
