National League MVP Ryan Braun, who last season led the Milwaukee Brewers to their first division title in nearly three decades, has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld, two sources familiar with the case told "Outside the Lines."
Major League Baseball has not announced the positive test because Braun is disputing the result through arbitration.
A spokesman for Braun confirmed the positive test Saturday and issued a statement: "There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."
The 28-year-old Braun had to provide a urine sample for testing during the playoffs, and he was notified of the positive test sometime in late October -- about a month before he was named the National League's most valuable player.
The positive result was triggered by elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system, the sources also told "Outside the Lines." A subsequent, more comprehensive test revealed the testosterone was synthetic -- not produced by Braun's body.
I know it's old news already, but I still wanted to get this in simply because I'm so disappointed.Matt Kemp is my favorite baseball player and he had one of the great offensive seasons in Dodger blue, if not THE greatest ever. He was also runner-up in the 2011 MVP voting behind Ryan Braun.
As for Braun, he's my second favorite baseball player. Like me, he's a Jewish kid from the San Fernando Valley, someone I can sort of connect with. Hearing about his positive test was like a punch in the gut.
USA Today reported Saturday night that Braun said of the test result "It's BS."
I can't wait to hear Ryan's excuse.
As for Braun, he's my second favorite baseball player. Like me, he's a Jewish kid from the San Fernando Valley, someone I can sort of connect with. Hearing about his positive test was like a punch in the gut.
USA Today reported Saturday night that Braun said of the test result "It's BS."
I can't wait to hear Ryan's excuse.
Christmas might come early for Kemp!
ReplyDeleteFollow Me - It could, although an MVP award has never been taken away from a player in the past. There's always a first time for everything.
ReplyDelete