epufloor: Bell: Ray Lewis getting his due in another sense, too

Bell: Ray Lewis getting his due in another sense, too

2013-01-29-ray-lewis

Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis arrives for media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII. (Photo: Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

For everything that defines Lewis' greatness as a player his legacy is shrouded in mystery
As much as he'd like it to happen, suspicions don't disappear at Lewis' command
Low point of Lewis' career13 years ago when he plead guilty to obstruction of justice in murder case
NEW ORLEANS -- A spray containing deer antler extract was the fresh topic awaiting Ray Lewis on Super Bowl media day, but with dozens of reporters crowding Podium 4 inside the Superdome, someone in the back wanted to talk about his pre-game boogie.
So, naturally, No. 52 gleefully served up an anecdote about the origin of "The Squirrel".
Maybe it was fitting for Lewis to talk about a choreographed shimmy.
LEWIS: Ravens LB denies using substance
When the serious topic arose, stemming from a Sports Illustrated report linking the iconic linebacker to a banned substance purported to accelerate healing, Lewis tap-danced to the next question.
"Two years ago, that was the same report," Lewis snorted. "I wouldn't give that report, or him, any of my press. He's not worthy of that. Next question."
Suspicions don't disappear at Lewis' command. Two years ago, reports linked former Ravens assistant Hue Jackson to a company that he promoted that has a spray product containing a substance banned by the NFL. Jackson, now coaching Cincinnati Bengals receivers, has severed ties to the company. Yet the new report alleges that Lewis contacted the company's co-founder, Mitch Ross, seeking remedies to aid in his recovery from a torn triceps suffered in mid-October. It was initially believed to be a season-ending injury.
SAPP: Stunned by murder-related questions
Ross is the "he" that Lewis referred to, hinting that the timing of the SI report is an attempt to capitalize on Super Bowl hype.
"I wouldn't give him credit," Lewis said, "or even mention his name or his antics in my speeches or my moment."
My moment. That was surely the plan. The buzz surrounding Lewis' opportunity to ride off into retirement with a Super Bowl victory is deserved to some degree when considering his 17 years of hard, Hall of Fame-credentialed labor as the face of the Ravens. Maybe he can also trademark the term, "Last Ride."
But Lewis is getting his due in another sense, too.
For everything that defines Lewis' greatness as a player -- leadership, passion, productivity and big plays -- his legacy is shrouded in mystery.
PHOTOS: Ray Lewis through the years

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, right, celebrates with Vonta Leach after the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Matt Slocum, AP
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Ray Lewis celebrates with the Lamar Hunt Trophy in the locker room after the Ravens defeated the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Getty Images
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Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) is tackled by Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
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Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) celebrates after the AFC divisional playoff game against the Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens won 38-35 in double overtime. Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports
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Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) lines up as Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning gets ready to take the snap during the second quarter of the AFC divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Chris Humphreys. USA TODAY Sports
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Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) in overtime against the Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens defeated the Broncos 38-35 in double overtime. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis pumps up the crowd during a game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Lewis announced that he will retire after 17 seasons with the Ravens. Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports
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After missing the final 10 games of the 2012 regular season, Lewis returned for the Ravens' wild-card playoff matchup against the Colts, his final home game in Baltimore. Lewis' signature entrance gave the 70,000 fans at M&T Bank Stadium goosebumps. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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The heart and soul of the Ravens for 17 seasons, Lewis fires up the team before his final home game. Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY Sports
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Lewis shares a moment with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before his final home game. Patrick Semansky, AP
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Lewis brings down Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, one of Lewis' team-high 13 tackles during his final home game. Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY Sports
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Lewis salutes the Baltimore fans after the Ravens defeated the Colts in his final home game. Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports
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The Baltimore crowd pays homage to Lewis during his final home game with the Ravens. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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Tributes to Lewis were all over M&T Bank Stadium during his final home game in Baltimore. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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Ray Lewis, shown here during the game against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium, missed 10 games in 2012 with a torn right tricep. Lewis is a 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time first-team all pro and two-time NFL defensive player of the year. James Lang, USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis enters the field before the game against Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Paul Frederiksen, USA TODAY Sports
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Ray Lewis comes on to the field during player introductions before game against the Houston Texans. Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
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Ray Lewis dances before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half of the 2010 AFC Wild Card playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Stew Milne, USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is introduced before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. James Lang, USA TODAY Sports
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San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) loses control of the ball when he is hit by Baltimore Ravens safety Bawan Landry (26) and linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter against the at Qualcomm Stadium. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis enters the field against the Giants. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
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Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis celebrates Baltimore's 26-20 victory over Cincinnati. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
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Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis before the AFC Wild Card Game against the Tennessee Titans. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
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Ray Lewis celebrates after the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis was named theSuper Bowl MVP. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
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Ray Lewis is introduced before the AFC Championship game between Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
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Ray Lewis celebrates after the Ravens' victory over the Titans in the AFC divisional playoff game. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis dances after he came up with a loose ball during the AFC Wild Card Game. The Ravens defeated the Broncos 21-3. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY
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Balitore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis enters the stadium prior to the AFC Wildcard game in 2000. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY
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Ray Lewis of the Miami Hurricanes looks on during a game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. Mike Powell, Getty Images
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No doubt, the low point of Lewis' career came 13 years ago when two men were murdered following a Super Bowl party in Atlanta. Lewis and members of his entourage fled the scene in a limousine rented by Lewis. Murder charges against Lewis were dropped but he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.
Lewis' two co-defendants were acquitted and the case is unresolved. Lewis paid an undisclosed sum to the victims' families to settle civil cases.
Yet so many questions remain, leaving a haunting cloud over one of the NFL's most popular players. Like it or not, that's essential to the Ray Lewis story, especially as family members maintain that he hasn't told them everything that he knows.
FAMILY: Slayings not forgotten, Lewis not forgiven
Of course, this chapter in Lewis' past came up Tuesday. In recent weeks, he has refused to address it.
On Tuesday -- when he so willingly talked about his religious faith and fact-dropped that while growing up he was an usher and sang in the choir -- he explained that regardless of what people think, he lives with that tragic episode daily.
There's no disputing that. And when Lewis maintains, as he did Tuesday, that the Super Bowl podium is not the proper place to expound on the murders, that's understood.
Yet Lewis, a man who wears religion on his sleeves, should have come clean and deep and philosophical and passionate with the families of the victims a long time ago.
That doesn't mean he owes any family members of the members another dime. But a conversation would be an idea. As a man of faith who puts himself on that pedestal by preaching a Gospel of compassion, Lewis should do everything in his manly power not to come off like a fraud.
Too often, Lewis comes off as self-serving, offering examples of how he's touched teammates, for example, when nobody asked. He basks in his idea of his legacy.
I attended Lewis' first practice as a rookie in 1996. Before we started an interview, he showed me the daily Bible verse that he received from his mother on his pager.
Back then, Lewis seemed so fresh and genuine as he embarked on his career.
Approaching the last game, the topics have surely changed.