Ray Lewis, deer-antler spray questions: deer antler spray, contains byproduct of HGH

By: Howard Fendrich, Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Of all the topics Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis might have been prepared to talk about at Super Bowl media day, deer-antler spray probably was not among them.

He declined to directly address a Sports Illustrated report that he sought help from a company that makes the unorthodox product to speed up his recovery from a torn right triceps.

Lewis was the NFL's leading tackler in the playoffs after missing 10 regular-season games with the injury.

The company says its deer-antler substance contains a byproduct of human growth hormone.

Lewis dismissed the report Tuesday as "stupidity." He said: "There's never been a question of if I ever even thought about using" a banned substance.

The 37-year-old Lewis plans to retire after Sunday's Super Bowl. He was the MVP of the 2001 title game.