Hue Jackson Apologizes For Introducing Ray Lewis to Owner of S.W.A.T.S.
By Josh Sanchez
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has vehemently denied Sports Illustrated reports that he was involved with the Sports With Alternatives To Steroids (S.W.A.T.S.) company to recover from his injured triceps this season. Lewis is banking on the fact that his association with the alternative sports supplement company a few years ago and he’s giving no acknowledgement to the new developments in the report.
However, while Lewis is denying any wrongdoing, a former Ravens assistant, Hue Jackson, is apologizing for introducing Lewis to the S.W.A.T.S. owner.
“First of all, I’m disappointed for the Ravens,” Jackson said, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun via Pro Football Talk. “You hate to ever put an organization in that kind of situation. I never knew the young man [Ross] could be that way. I apologize for the whole organization. It should be about the Super Bowl. I met the guy at the [NFL] combine in 2008. . . .
“I don’t get this because we’ve already addressed all of this before,” Jackson said. “It’s just not right. I feel very bad for making a mistake and bringing this guy around Ray and the other players.
“I regret that ever happened. You trust people sometimes, and they let you down. This is an absolute shame because it should be about football, not this stuff. . . .
“What happened is you think everybody is doing things for the right reason. I knew there was nothing illegal based on information given by him. He always talked about things, saying they were already approved by the NFL. You live and you learn. I dealt with that two years ago. Anytime it comes up, my name is mentioned.”
The problem with Lewis’ denial is that he continues to ignore the fact that Sports Illustrated brought the news back into the spotlight because of the recent developments that he reached out to the company this season. Lewis can deny the report all he wants, but the calls were recorded.
In the end, Lewis can deny the reports all he wants and attempt to not be a distraction to his team because nothing will come of any potential wrongdoing. Lewis is gearing up for his final NFL game and after the final whistle blows this will all be behind him.