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Health

What the Heck Is This ‘Deer Antler Spray’ You’re Hearing About Involving a Super Bowl Player?

Jan. 31, 2013 3:04pm Liz Klimas

The flood gates have opened ever since Sports Illustrated published a more than 5,000 word article Tuesday about the substances made by the two-man company S.W.A.T.S. (Sports with Alternatives to Steroids). The one getting the most attention is called deer antler spray.

Several specific athletes have been identified in the article as using S.W.A.T.S. substances, which has caused at least one to withdrawal from competition and others are coming out and admitting or denying its use.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, the man of the hour given his upcoming participation in the Super Bowl that will be the end his 17-years in the NFL, was reported by Sports Illustrated to have spoken with S.W.A.T.S owner Mitch Ross following an accident that tore his tricep and benched him for much of the 2012 season. But Lewis has for the last couple days strongly denied accusations that he, or his teammates, used any sort of performance enhancing substance.

Athletes Respond to Sports Illustrated Article About S.W.A.T.S. Deer Antler Spray

Ray Lewis has denied ever using deer antler spray. (Photo: AP/Matt Slocum)

Watch Lewis speak at a press conference about the accusations:

Sports Illustrated reported that when it spoke to Lewis for its story, he acknowledged asking Ross for “some more of the regular stuff” on the night of the injury and that he has been associated with the company “for a couple years.”

Lewis’ stance was different Wednesday.

“It’s so funny of a story, because I never, ever took what he says or whatever I was supposed to do. And it’s just sad, once again, that someone can have this much attention on a stage this big, where the dreams are really real,” Lewis said, wearing his white No. 52 Ravens jersey, gray sweat pants and a black hat with the team’s purple logo. “I don’t need it. My teammates don’t need it. The 49ers don’t need it. Nobody needs it.”

He smiled widely when the first question at his media session was about the topic – surely, he figured it was coming – then chuckled later while addressing it. Known for his frequent references to God and faith, Lewis called the whole episode a “joke” and a “trick of the devil,” adding that he told teammates: “Don’t let people from the outside ever come and try to disturb what’s inside.”

What is it?

So this all begs the question: What is “deer antler spray”?

(Image: S.W.A.T.S.)

S.W.A.T.S. says its deer antler spray and pills contain a naturally occurring banned product connected to human growth hormone.

The oral spray is described as “an all-natural product extracted from the velvet from the immature antlers of male deer,” according to S.W.A.T.S. website. Among various purposes, the spray claims to stimulate growth, improve muscle endurance and enhance overall athletic performance.

The product specifically claims to contain insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which is medically used to treat a form of dwarfism called Laron syndrome. The Baltimore Sun reported doctor’s questioning if the method of delivery of the S.W.A.T.S. product would even work:

Dr. Roberto Salvatori, who runs a lab studying growth hormone deficiency and has been on the Hopkins faculty since 1998, said there is no scientifically accepted way to deliver IGF-1 orally.

“If there were, a lot of people would be happy that they don’t need to get shots anymore,” he said. “It’s just simply not possible for it to come from a spray.”

But that’s not all. In addition to the deer antler product containing IGF-1, which is banned by the NFL and many other major sports leagues, Sports Illustrated reported Rams linebacker linebacker David Vobora, who was using the spray, testing positive for methyltestosterone in 2009. The spray was then tested and found to contain the illegal substance. Vobora sued S.W.A.T.S. and was eventually awarded $5.4 million.

Here’s a report about the product:

More athletes talk about deer antler spray

Since Sports Illustrated’s article was published, athletes associated in some way with the spray have been releasing statements.

Three-time golf major champion Vijay Singh, released a statement Wednesday at the Phoenix Open, acknowledging he used deer-antler spray and saying he wasn’t aware that it may contain a substance banned by the PGA Tour. Signh Thursday withdrew from the tournament as the PGA is investigating the matter.

“In fact, when I first received the product, I reviewed the list of ingredients and did not see any prohibited substances,” Singh said, according to the Associated Press. “I am absolutely shocked that deer-antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put myself in this position. I have been in contact with the PGA Tour and am cooperating fully with their review of this matter.”

Former British Open winner Bob Charles of New Zealand too says he used and promoted a deer-antler spray for more than 20 years without knowing it contained banned substances.

Some college teams that have been associated with S.W.A.T.S. have responded as well. Alabama has sent two cease-and-desist letters to S.W.A.T.S., university spokeswoman Debbie Lane said, according to the AP, adding: “UA has been aware of this situation for some time, and we have monitored this company for several years.” Auburn and LSU representatives also said they have asked the company to stay away from students.

As for what S.W.A.T.S. owners have to say about the article, especially its labeling of Lewis just before the the NFL Championship game Feb. 3, the Associated Press reported Ross saying in an emailed statement: ”It is the view of SWATS and Mitch Ross that the timing of information was unfortunate and misleading and was in no way intended to harm any athlete. We have always been about aiding athletes to heal faster and participate at an optimum level of play in a lawful and healthy manner. We never encourage the use of harmful supplements and/or dangerous drugs.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (35)

socialistmop
Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:40pm
“which has caused at least one to *withdrawal* from competition.” 2nd paragraph. Eesh.

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on February 1, 2013 at 4:11am
Sarcasm ahead ??

Deer Antler spray was not made for civilians, it was made to be packaged as a nasal spray, to prepare CIA agents who have been kidnapped and then wake up and find themselves in the back of a cab with some pyscho handler telling them they are wearing bomb vests, and they are about to embark on the streets of New York City to have some fun as a recent “thriller” tv show gave us?

So how is this mysterious substance used? Well, once you are out of visible sight of your pyscho handler, you take out your “breath spray” and for the placebo effect of disarming your nose before you open the man hole cover to the sewer system below, where you can disappear and be blown to little pieces with no one missing you?

There is of course a small chance that the cell phone would not pentetrate the sewer system and you could possibly disarm the device and escape. It is a good thing these things never happen in real life, only on national broadcast of films for our entertainment?

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Randjet
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:14pm
“trick of the devil,
Wasn’t the devil involved in that Atlanta murder too?

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waggie
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 8:09pm
Seriously, we’re supposed to take Ray Lewis’ word that he didn’t use steroids? Seriously?

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- The Big Mick
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 8:29pm
  why not. Didn’t Charlie Hustler assure us he Never Bet on Baseball….well yeah he lied about that, but he assured us he never bet on the Team he Managed….well yeah he lied about that too, but he assured us it didn’t change the way he managed.
  I mean if we can believe Petey, why can’t we believe Ray Ray.
  
  Report this comment
- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 8:29pm
  He didn’t use steroids, he used something that contained a growth hormone.
  
  Honestly though, why not?
  
  I remember when I use to be on a strict workout regiment, I would have a variety of supplements. Protein shakes, things that helped with recovery, things that helped for energy, things that helped for this and for that… I mean, I was spending more on supplements then I was on FOOD.
  
  Guarantee most of these athletes already have a regiment of supplements they take, so what’s the big deal about steroid? Why was that line drawn there, but not on other things that they use to supplement their training?
  
  It just doesn’t make sense. The point of sports like Football is to be big, mean, tough and aggressive. The harder the hit, the louder the crowd roars. They are our gladiators. So what if they’re ALL on steroid, what’s the big deal exactly?
  
  If you legalize their use, and everyone is doing it, where’s the advantage? But it’ll make it em stronger and tougher, making the game even more of a spectacle to watch.
  
  I say, legalize the use of any form of supplement even in competitive sports!
  
  Report this comment
jackact
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 7:36pm
Never will such a fine example of a steroid abusing and criminally implicated professional football player be represented in the super bowl.
Congratulations Ray, you deserve it.
For getting away with everything.

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- Metalstr8jckt
  Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:57pm
  Lance Armstrong’s physicians advanced the science of HGH detection and avoidance through; Blood filtering procedures.
  
  Athletes should have their blood tested routinely to establish a baseline and then subsequent announced and unannounced testing to detect changes and discrepancies. (Off-season testing) compliance as part of contractual agreements.
  
  Just like the production of illegal drugs, illicit chemists have to attempt to stay one step ahead of known testing procedures.
  Money influences the keeping of and uses of proprietary information.
  
  Report this comment
Proud American 71111
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 6:06pm
Ok people what did you expect, Ray Lewis lied about killing someone, do you think he would come clean about taking a banned substance…LOL Lewis should have been banned (and jailed) years ago. I heard a former Ravens cheerleader came out to a radio reporter that when Lewis was charged with the killing the ravens management sent out a memo to all people associated with the team telling them not to dare say anything concerning the case and that the team would “Do anything possible to have Lewis cleared”. Lewis is a murderer and everyone knows it yet he his held up as a Hero in the football would. Just goes to show you how corrupting money and fame can be. I am sad to that our society places sports and entertainment above all else so often. How many governments in the country help pay for stadiums & arenas yet they beg for money to provide necessary services for it’s citizens. Look at how many colleges pay their coachs 10 times the max salery of any other university employee. Let the NFL, NBA, NHL and college sports teams pay for their own expenses and stop giving a pass to the atheletes & “stars”…

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- Miami
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 7:52pm
  Let’s see if I got this right?
  
  Proud American?
  
  A corrupt media blast an individual with allegations and you side with said media who you know to be corrupt. Again bring up a fraudulent “Murder” charge of which he was acquitted. I guess everyone but those that mattered…
  
  “10 times the max salary of any other university employee”
  
  You sound like a Progressive with your class warfare. It is those Football programs that fund most of those University employees.
  
  More likely you are just another
  
  SAD PROGRESSIVE
  
  Report this comment
Zatek
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:59pm
Rofl @ people trying to take HGH orally. Why do you think oral steroids are methylated, just for laughs? Raw hormones cannot survive the digestion process, and thus you can’t take HGH orally and the idea that hormones in milk is somehow a problem is also bogus.

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- whitealaskan
  Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:26am
  “Michael’s Secret Stuff” When Bugs Bunny fills up the water bottle and gives it to the players on Space Jam.
  
  Report this comment
Ruckus_Tom
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:33pm
Huh? You mean deer antler spray isn’t 100% deer antler spray? Next thing you know they’ll be saying bath salts aren’t really bath salts.

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- Keatonc333
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 7:03pm
  haha!
  
  Report this comment
jcldwl
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:21pm
Man who cares. The man is at the end of a brutal career, of course he is doping. They all dope because there are millions of dollars on the line for performance. All those million dollar contracts are performance based, so what do you think. Not only do they dope up for performance. They toke up to relieve pain the day after the game. One good reason to stop supporting this insanity.

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OJMDC
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:14pm
I first recall hearing about the deer antler supplement in 1993-1995. The Soviets/Russians purportedly used it and once the USSR collapsed, much of their training info was leaked or sold to U.S. olympic trainers, bodybuilders, powerlifters, etc.
I thought it was de-bunked as a useless supplement. It looked good on paper and in labs but failed when actually used.
It’s based on the influx of anabolic hormones (Insulin Growth Factor -1 [IFG-1]) when deer are growing antler as a phenomenal rate. So, scientist figured…

It’s OLD new in the fitness and bodybuilding words.

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Miami
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:56pm
It’s incredible to me how Progressives have framed this argument in a way that has Libertarians/Conservatives bashing achievement and hard work. They blasted Armstrong “Cheating” by doing the same thing everyone else was doing. Have you hear of this newly formed Council ( which was created to go after Lance ) go after any other athletes?

Maybe we should ban all the music written under the influence?

Maybe we should ban Coffee and energy drinks?

Maybe we should ban Chocolate?

Maybe we should ban alcohol….. Oh wait we tried that already and how did that work out?

Should we ban makeup? High heels? Compression undergarments (Spanks)?

Laser sights? Scopes? Night sights? Night vision ?

Our world is built around Cheating our limitations….

As a marine we were taught to overcome and conquer

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:09pm
  Very good points.
  
  That being said, there are rules to a game, and nobody goes in who doesn’t know them. That’s where the issue arises I think. I would love to see a Full Amp Athletic Event where you got to do whatever it took to win (besides harm others), but that’s not what this is. If you cheat limitations to conquer, great, but if the rules of the game ban that then it’s not quite the same as beating the odds, you know?
  
  Report this comment
- Miami
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 5:10pm
  GhostOfJefferson
  
  When arbitrary rules are written after the fact to make once unknown practices “illegal” (Magazine size) Performance Enhancements have been used since the beginning of time.
  
  Wrestlers would grease themselves,
  
  Racers would wear foot coverings, later they would add spikes
  
  A Ball player used a glove
  
  Footballer dawned a helmet, now they’re a weapon
  
  Soccer player wore chin pads
  
  We have fallen into a vicious circle of losers writing the rules, The South lost the Civil War yet most would agree they won the outcome. Japan, Italy and Germany lost the WW2 yet we rebuilt their countries after the wars and one could argue they’re stronger. Our cars? Toyota, Honda, Nissan, VW, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Fiat and Mercedes.
  
  What did we get out of the first Gulf War? Liberals claimed it was a war for oil? Once again in the second, yet no cheap oil from the Gulf nor will there be.
  
  Report this comment
- whitealaskan
  Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:29am
  We can have the Steroid Olympics right after the real ones.
  
  Report this comment
DZ-015
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:40pm
Does it make you horny?

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- jhrusky
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:59pm
  Deer don’t have horns.
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 4:01pm
  It will make your antler fall off!
  
  Report this comment
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:35pm
.
Well if Ray wants to stroke a deer to get him to spray him, more power to ya Ray….

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- pragmaticpatriot
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:50pm
  i dont care who you are thats some funny stuff right there
  
  Report this comment
soybomb315_II
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:34pm
my understanding is that the NFL bans the use of it but does not even test for it because of the player’s union collective bargaining agreement

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GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:32pm
I hear it works pretty good if you combine it with some good calling techniques. Always make sure you stand is properly secured to the tree though, and don’t rush movement, they startle easy.

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denkat56
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:24pm
I’ll bet the deer are mad as hell.

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Fubared
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:22pm
Drugs, thugs, and union protection. Sure, sign me up for the NFL/NBA super package on dish. Oh and be sure to add baseball and hockey for when they aren’t on strike. Yep.

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engineerairborne
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:21pm
Just call it what it is SNAKE OIL, the same thing that con-artist have been selling forever to the guliable idiots of the world. Anyone want to cash a nigirian check for me while your at it?

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progressiveslayer
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:15pm
Thugs always deny they did it it’s a natural response like when he was involved in a double homicide and got away with it. I personally don’t care what he puts in his body because the POS should still be in prison but justice is blind huh?

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The Big Mick
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:13pm
Cave Man sympathetic magic. Bugga Buggah!

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- BostonHarold
  Posted on February 1, 2013 at 4:32pm
  Bingo! Well said Sir! Rhinos are endangered because poachers kill them for their horns…which are regarded as a powerful (and expensive) aphrodisiac in China. Tigers are now scarce in SE Asia because they are poached for their penises…for the same incredibly stupid reason. The Gospel of Viagra has yet to reach them.
  
  Report this comment
The Big Mick
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:11pm
My take away from this is that GangstaHoodin Homies will believe anything.

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- LakeHartwellSailor
  Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:28pm
  Word
  
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