John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was asked during media day if he used a banned substance, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Ray Lewis was clearly the center of
attention during the Baltimore Ravens' session with the assembled Super Bowl
media on Tuesday, particularly after reports surfaced that the star linebacker
may have used a banned substance to help him recover from his torn triceps
this season.
Lewis wouldn't give much of a response when asked about the Sports Illustrated
story that broke Tuesday.
The Sports Illustrated report said Lewis used deer antler spray, which
contains IGF-1, a substance banned by the NFL.
"Two years ago that was the same report," said Lewis about the SI report
during media day. "I wouldn't give that report or him any of my press. He's
not worthy of that.
"Every test I ever took in the NFL... there's never been a question if I've
ever thought about using anything."
In the SI report, which was made available on SI.com in a story that will
appear in the magazine on Monday, Lewis was taped by the owner of Sports with
Alternatives to Steroids (S.W.A.T.S), Mitch Ross, as asking for help in how to
use the spray.
"Spray on my elbow every two hours?" the SI story quotes Lewis as asking Ross.
"No," Ross said, "under your tongue."
The SI story said Lewis later asked Ross to "just pile me up and just send me
everything you got, because I got to get back on this this week."
Lewis suffered a torn triceps in Week 6. The injury is usually considered
season-ending, but Lewis was able to return for the playoffs and has helped
the team reach its second Super Bowl.
Before the playoffs began, Lewis announced that he would retire after the
postseason.
On a more jovial note, Lewis said he was amused by his "Saturday Night Live"
portrayal by Kenan Thompson.
The Sports Network