The NBA drug policy is again under scrutiny whether it is effective in controlling steroid related cases in their league. Some would say that NBA might be having steroid problem just like in baseball and football. The major headlines this week focused on the 10 game suspension of Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis. He will not be allowed to play for the first 10 games of the 2009-2010 season in the National Basketball Association. The reason- he has an elevated testosterone level.

Lewis is an All Star player last season which is already his second time. With great statistics on his record, Lewis performance is under question. He is an NBA player for 11 years and averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season. An averaged of 16.9 points per game for his career is something that he can show off but the latest issue can damage his reputation as a NBA star and as a professional basketball player.

In a statement posted on the Orlando Magic website, Lewis did not contest the sanction and said that he took full responsibility for the positive steroid test result. He admitted taking an over-the-counter supplement last season but he did not know that it contains a substance banned by the NBA. “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 said.

The over-the-counter supplement used by Lewis contains DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA can be found in some nutritional supplements and most professional sports bodies banned its use. Lewis said that he mixed this nutritional supplement powder with smoothies not realizing it contains a banned substance. This supplement was responsible for the high level of testosterone in his body. Supplementation of testosterone without any prescription for medical purpose is definitely considered as performance enhancing.

Some sportswriter criticized Lewis for his action saying that it is absurd that he did not think of the risk of taking supplements. It has already caused many professional athletes especially in the major league and football to be sanctioned or banned for having a failed drug test due to tainted supplements. Right now, Lewis has a $118 million contract. His suspension will cost him about $1.6 million. Hiring a nutritionist or pharmacist would be a very smart decision which could certainly warned him of the dangers of taking this supplement.

In an interview, Charles Barkley said that he did not believe Rashard Lewis is a steroid user. According to him, NBA players don’t have bodies typical of athletes under steroids. If an NBA player violates the drug policy, he immediately assumes that it is marijuana or other prohibited substances but not performance enhancing drugs.

David Whitley of Fanhouse.com also said that steroid use is not rampant in NBA. The positive test result of Lewis can’t be used as the basis to assume that the NBA has a steroid problem. He noted that there are only six players who have been suspended by the NBA for violating their PED policy.

Commissioner David Stern of NBA is not worried on this issue. He said that NBA doesn’t share the steroid problem that has plagued professional baseball and football.

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