Don’t shoot the messenger, but another major media outlet is trying to tarnish the name and legacy of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Sports Illustrated published an article saying that a supplement company had sent Lewis a product containing IGF-1, a banned substance in the NFL.
While the report has been poorly but purposefully timed for release by Sports Illustrated, Lewis must now deal with doping allegations as he prepares to play his final game in the NFL, amidst a remarkable comeback from a torn triceps injury.
This may carry no weight at all, but in January of 2008, Lewis filmed a segment on the Best Damn Sports Show Period, called “Moment of Truth.” In the segment, the future Hall of Famer was hooked up to a polygraph machine and asked multiple football related questions.
Lewis was indeed caught lying, but not about PED use. Instead, he said that he believed quarterback Trent Dilfer was capable of winning the Ravens their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The lie detector said otherwise.
He was also asked if he would every take performance enhancing drugs if he knew he wouldn’t get caught – to which Lewis truthfully responded, “No”.
Let’s take this for what it is, a TV bit. But if true, Lewis showed he wouldn’t submit himself to the things he’s being accused of today.
Even though the video is now more than five years old, a lot could have changed but given what Lewis has done and how he’s carried himself, it’s doubtful.
Earlier today during his hour-long media session, Lewis was asked about the Sports Illustrated report in which he responded, “I wouldn’t give that report or [Mitch Ross] any of my press, he’s not worthy of that.”
So now because a major sports news entity is looking for readers, they’ve tried to taint Lewis’ Super Bowl experience and undermine his remarkable comeback.
And as fans, we now have to sit back and look to television polygraph bits to help clear Lewis’ name.
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