MVP Ryan Braun Tests Positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs

There could soon be an asterisk etched into Ryan Bran’s MVP award. Braun, who won the National League MVP this year, has tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. The Milwaukee Brewer faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld. Braun is disputing the results of the drug test.

A spokesman for Braun confirmed that the Brewers star tested positive for PEDs, but said that there are “unusual circumstances” surrounding the case. The spokesman said:

“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.”

Or, in much simpler words, Braun said: “It’s BS.”

ESPN reports that Braun, 28, had to provide a urine sample during the playoffs. Braun’s positive results were triggered by elevated levels of testosterone. Further testing showed that the testosterone was synthetic. He was notified that he tested positive for PEDs in October.

After the test results came out the MLB asked the World Anti-Doping Agency lab in Montreal to conduct a second test. The Anti-Doping lab determined that the testosterone spike did not occur naturally within his body. The lab concluded that the testosterone was exogenous, or came from outside of Braun’s body.

Still, Brewers’ owner Mark Attanasio insists that Braun is innocent. Attanasio said:

“We are dealing with an incomplete set of facts and speculation. Before there is a rush to judgment, Ryan deserves the right to be heard. We are committed to supporting Ryan to get to the truth of what happened in this unfortunate situation.”

Braun has been disputing the case and hopes to prove that he did not knowingly take any banned substance. ESPN notes a positive test results has never been successfully appealed by a major league player.

Do you think Ryan Braun used performance enhancing drugs?