Orlando Magic All-Star forward Rashard Lewis tested positive for a testosterone-producing substance, dehydroepiandrosterone, which is commonly known as DHEA, and will be suspended without pay 10 games at the beginning of the season. "I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character," Lewis said in a statement. [Orlando Sentinel]
The steroid Lewis tested positive for was Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly known as DHEA. It is found in over-the-counter supplements accross the country. It is not illegal to use. Bills brough to the House of Representatives and Senate in 2007 (thanks to Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, who is the son of a lobbyist for one of the big DHEA production firms) that would have banned the substance were not passed and therefore the possession and use of DHEA are still legal.
Regardless, the NBA, NFL, NHL, both Olympic committees and bicylcing committees have listed it as a banned substance.
Yes, I missed a sport. MLB, the league with the biggest steroid problem in the world right now, allows the use of DHEA amongst its athletes.
So basically the steroid Rashard Lewis was suspended for is permitted in Major League Baseball. [NBA Fanhouse]
