NEW ORLEANS — Appearing at media day for Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was likely prepared to discuss the events that occurred in Atlanta from 13 years ago but wasn’t ready to deal with another controversy.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated, the 37-year-old linebacker acquired a banned substance to aid in his recovery from a torn right triceps earlier this season. The story rehashed information uncovered by Yahoo! Sports two years ago regarding a company called S.W.A.T.S. and alleges that Lewis used holographic stickers and deer antler spray, which contains the banned substance IGF-1.
Lewis allegedly contacted the owner of Sports with Alternatives to Steroids — a two-man sports science company — to help in recovering from the injury suffered against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 14. He would not address the report when asked about it on Tuesday afternoon.
“Two years ago, that was the same report,” Lewis said at Tuesday’s Super Bowl Media Day in New Orleans. “I wouldn’t give that report or him any of my press. He’s not worthy of that. Next question.”
Mitch Ross of S.W.A.T.S. reportedly taped the phone call from Lewis, which includes the veteran asking for directions on how to use the deer antler spray. .
Coach John Harbaugh was aware of the piece written by David Epstein and George Dohrmann, but he offered his support to Lewis in a predictable manner considering the linebacker did not fail a drug test.
“Ray has passed every substance test in his career,” Harbaugh said.
Regardless of how much weight this story holds, there is virtually no chance it will impact his status for Super Bowl XLVII as any potential disciplinary action — as unlikely as it might be — would be met with the appeals process that would delay a decision until after a champion is crowned.
Lewis intends to retire after the season.
