Lewis tested positive for PEDs

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel and several other outlets are reporting that Magic Forward Rashard Lewis has tested positive for a performance enhancing substance.

According to league sources, Lewis was taking nutritional supplements at the end of last season that unknowing to him contained a substance commonly known as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) — a chemical compound made naturally in the body but also found in numerous over-the-counter supplements at nutritional stores. The substance is banned by most sports leagues, including the NBA.

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel got a quote from Lewis.

“First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty. 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. 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.”

I’m very surprised to say the least. Sounds like PEDs are taking over basketball as well as football and baseball. I like the fact that Lewis is immediately owning up to it and has already issued an apology.  It’s a step in the right direction after failing the test. This substance can be bought over the counter so it very well could be an honest mistake.

Mike Bianchi has more.

One source said he believed Lewis’s positive test was “an honest mistake.”

“There are more than 100 banned substances on the league’s list and athletes have to watch everything they take from common cold medications to vitamins to supplements,” the source said.

Here’s the ESPN link

Guess the Magic have 10 extra games to decide if Lewis is going to play SF or PF. Matt Barnes (or Mickael Pietrus) and Brandon Bass are likely to both be starters until Lewis’ return.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger.Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily. Check out his ACC Football preview here.)