Deer antler spray isn’t a performance-enhancing drug. It’s a naturally occurring substance that acts much like insulin in regulating certain bodily functions. It is marketed as though it promotes healing, but there are no proven studies to confirm exactly what it does. And this, of course, is true of all supplements that are not approved or regulated by the FDA. But now that Ray Lewis, Sports Illustrated and every major media outlet are all talking about deer antler spray, people are out to buy it in droves.
ESPN interviewed a few distributors of deer antler spray, and one of them had this to say: "The phones have been ringing off the hook today," said Brianne Vaskovardzic, director of marketing for Private Label Nutraceuticals. "It's the nature of the industry -- when a sports figure speaks positively or negatively about a product, the sales pop." That is not surprising, but it’s interesting that deer antler spray is legal for public consumption but is banned by the NFL. And whether or not Ray Lewis ever used the supplement is likely to be a forgotten story as soon as the final whistle blows on Sunday night, regardless of who wins the big game.
Lewis has been adamant in his denials that he ever used deer antler spray and he seems to have the full support of his coaches, teammates and even the 49ers. Given Lewis’ place in the game, especially among current players, it’s unlikely that many - if any - will suggest that Lewis may have tried to cheat the system. Lewis is leading the Baltimore Ravens on an unlikely playoff run that was sparked in large part by Lewis’ announcement that he would be retiring at the end of this year’s playoffs, regardless of the outcome. And despite the deer antler controversy, it appears as though Lewis’ final game in the NFL will eventually become the story.
ESPN interviewed a few distributors of deer antler spray, and one of them had this to say: "The phones have been ringing off the hook today," said Brianne Vaskovardzic, director of marketing for Private Label Nutraceuticals. "It's the nature of the industry -- when a sports figure speaks positively or negatively about a product, the sales pop." That is not surprising, but it’s interesting that deer antler spray is legal for public consumption but is banned by the NFL. And whether or not Ray Lewis ever used the supplement is likely to be a forgotten story as soon as the final whistle blows on Sunday night, regardless of who wins the big game.
Lewis has been adamant in his denials that he ever used deer antler spray and he seems to have the full support of his coaches, teammates and even the 49ers. Given Lewis’ place in the game, especially among current players, it’s unlikely that many - if any - will suggest that Lewis may have tried to cheat the system. Lewis is leading the Baltimore Ravens on an unlikely playoff run that was sparked in large part by Lewis’ announcement that he would be retiring at the end of this year’s playoffs, regardless of the outcome. And despite the deer antler controversy, it appears as though Lewis’ final game in the NFL will eventually become the story.