Mark Cuban not opposed to steroid use

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says steroid use by injured athletes can serve a useful purpose.

While speaking at a forum at the University of Pittsburgh this week, Cuban, a former Pitt student, said steroids could help athletes recover from injuries as long as they are prescribed by doctors and it is proven there would be no long-term damage.

"I'll get killed for saying this (but) I'm not so against steroids if they're administered under proper supervision and there is no long-term damage," he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette while answering a question after the forum about the 10-game suspension of Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis during last season's NBA playoffs. "If the proper medical criteria are met, why wouldn't we use them for medical reasons?"

Lewis was suspended after a positive test showed an elevated testosterone level. He claimed he took an over-the-counter supplement that included a banned substance.