Ray Lewis Used Banned Substances to Return for the 2013 NFL Playoffs

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis used a banned substance in formulating his return to the NFL this season, Sports Illustrated reports.

Lewis is one of the more vocal leaders in all of the NFL, and has a reputation for inspiring teammates.

The linebacker tore his triceps muscle on October 14 and made it back into the lineup for the playoffs, despite the injury initially being ruled a season-ending one by his head coach, John Harbaugh.

The substances Lewis consumed included an extract from deer antlers: a pill and a spray. Lewis was given a regimen from "Sports with Alternatives to Steroids" (SWATS) that prescribed 10 pills a day and a spray underneath his tongue every two hours. The program also included methods such as using holographic stickers, light to quicken the healing process and other actions with the same goal.

Mitch Ross, the owner of SWATS, claims to have video evidence of Lewis' call for the original order. Ross gave Lewis the materials for free, wishing only for an admission to using the products if asked.

Lewis has used SWATS' products for a couple of years, per his own admission, but said his only connection to the organization is through Hue Jackson.

The leading tackler for the team in each of its playoff games this season, Lewis is the only member of the Ravens to have been a part of the 2000 Super Bowl Championship club. He has played for Baltimore for his entire professional career, which extends back to the original days of the franchise's incarnation as the Ravens (after moving from Cleveland, leaving the Browns name behind).

Lewis won the Super Bowl XXXV MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year back in 2000. He had the second-most tackles ever in the 1997 season, registering 184.

The Ravens linebacker was put on trial in 2000 for the murder of two men in Atlanta during Super Bowl Week, but he was acquitted of the murder charge after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice, receiving one year probation for the act. As part of the exchange, he gave testimony about two others in the case, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting. Oakley and Sweeting were acquitted of the murder charge later that year.