NEW YORK — All-Star forward Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic apologized for a doping violation that brought a 10-game suspension by the National Basketball Association, saying he ingested a tainted supplement.
The league banished Lewis for an elevated testosterone level that the player said was caused when he took a supplement that contained a banned steroid that boosts testosterone levels.
"I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said. "I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment.
"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."
Lewis, who turns 30 on Saturday, must miss the first 10 games of the NBA season that begins October 27 or the first 10 games for which he is healthy to play.
Lewis averaged 19.0 points and 6.4 rebounds a game in the playoffs as the Magic captured he Eastern Conference title but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
The 11th-year NBA standout played nine seasons for Seattle before joining the Magic in 2007. He has career averages of 16.9 points and 5.8 rebounds.
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