Rashard Lewis suspended 10 games
The NBA has suspended Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis for ten games without pay after he tested positive for an elevated level of testosterone, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
"First and foremost 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."
The Magic open their season against the Philadelphia 76ers, their first-round opponent in the playoffs last year. They also play New Jersey (twice), Toronto, Detroit (twice), Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Charlotte and Cleveland, who they beat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
"He’s one of the best people in this league and has been a model citizen and a great team guy and simply made a very innocent mistake," Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday. "I think it’s unfortunate. I feel badly for him. I just wanted to make sure that he knew that he has the full support of the coaching staff and everybody in the organization, including, I’m sure, his teammates.”
Players who violate the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs face a 10-game suspension for the first offense. It's a 25-game suspension for second offenses and one-year suspensions for third offense.
Last year, Lewis averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while knocking down 2.8 threes per game.
