Lewis, an All-Star last season, will begin the suspension with the first game of the 2009-10 season for which he’s eligible and physically able to play, the league said in a news release.
Lewis took responsibility for the failed test and accepted the penalty in a statement posted on the team’s Web site.
“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,” Lewis said. “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.”
Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone that can boost strength when added to the body, in the same manner as banned steroids. NBA Commissioner David Stern has said his league doesn’t share the steroid problem that has plagued professional baseball and football.
Mark Broussard, a spokesman for the NBA, said in an e-mail that he didn’t have a list of other league cases involving testosterone or steroids.
Lewis, an 11-year NBA veteran, averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season as he was named an All-Star for the second time. He’s averaged 16.9 points per game for his career.
The Magic reached the NBA finals last season, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
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