PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) – Sports Illustrated released a story today linking Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to a banned substance they claim he’s used since October to recover from a triceps injury.

S.I. reports Lewis used deer-antler velvet extract spray which increases their level of IGF-1, which acts the way that a steroid would, cutting fat and promoting muscle growth.

Co-author David Epstein told Starkey and Miller on 93-7 The Fan he confronted Lewis about it, but after listening at first, he ended the conversation and walked away.

Lewis saying today, “I wouldn’t mention his antics in my speeches or in my moment. Every test I’ve ever took in the NFL, there’s never been a question. I never even thought about taking anything. So to even entertain stupidity like that, tell him to get his story from someone else.”

Lewis also said the story is 2 years old, however Epstein responded, “The idea that the story’s 2-years old, you know I reported on Lance Armstrong. It’s 2 years old, could be because you were doing it 2 years ago and still are.”

Epstein also reporting the substance was first brought to the Ravens attention by quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson (2008-09), who got it from company owner and former male stripper, Mitch Ross outside a NFL combine.

You can listen to the entire interview here: