The opening of the new season of the National Basketball Association left Rashard Lewis suspended from 10 games. The Orlando Magic forward was found to have an elevated testosterone level during a routine examination.

According to Lewis, he took an over-the-counter supplement which he did not realize to contain a substance banned by the NBA. He took full responsibility and accepted the penalty given to him. He also hopes that fellow athletes could learn from his mistake. He further advised his fellow athletes to always consult a medical expert before taking any form of dietary supplement.

Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in a male’s body. It helps to improve muscle growth, increase strength and improve overall performance. Some supplements were recently reported to contain substances with anabolic steroids. Steroids act in the same manner as testosterone. According to NBA commissioner David Stern, the professional basketball league does not have numerous cases of steroids or testosterone use. NBA spokesman Mark Broussard said that he did not have a list of other leagues involved in steroids cases.

Lewis is already a veteran in the NBA, playing for eleven years and was already named an All-star twice. He has averaged 17.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last NBA season.

According to Bloomberg:

Aug. 6 (Bloomberg) — Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis was suspended for the first 10 games of the National Basketball Association season after tests found an elevated testosterone level.

Lewis, an All-Star last season, will begin the suspension with the first game of the 2009-10 season for which he’s eligible and physically able to play, the league said in a news release.