Orlando Magic all-star forward Rashard Lewis violated the NBA’s anti-drug program by testing positive for an elevated testosterone level and will be suspended for the first 10 games of the 2009-10 regular season, the league announced Thursday.
Lewis told the Orlando Sentinel that he purchased a powdered supplement that contained a substance commonly known as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) from a nutritional supplement store. Lewis, whose suspension was first reported on OrlandoSentinel.com, said he mixed the powder into smoothies that he drank.
“First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty,” Lewis said in a statement released by the team. “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. I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment. I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character.
