The NBA has avoided the steroid controversy, but that may have changed today.

Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic has been suspended without pay for ten games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for an elevated testosterone level, it was announced today by the NBA.

(See the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program)

Lewis’ suspension will begin with the first game of the 2009-10 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

Lewis released a statement addressing the positive test:

First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty.

Toward the end of the season I took an over-the-counter supplement which at the time I did not realize included a substance banned by the NBA.

I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment.

I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character.

I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert in the field.

Citing unidentified league sources, the Orlando Sentinel reported the supplement contained DHEA, a steroids precursor.

Since 2000, six players have been suspended for performance-enhancing substances, including Lewis. Before 2005, the NBA did not list substance that the player was suspended for, only that they were in violation of the drug policy. After 2005, the substance that the player tested positive for was released.

Below are the six players that have tested positive for performance-enhancing substances to date:

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