Commissioner Bud Selig already said that the steroid era is over as evidenced by the number of players tested positive for banned performance enhancing drugs. While it is true that the incidence of positive tests declined through the years, there are still some players who were caught using PED’s. This year Manny Ramirez is the only player who suffered the strict rules of the league because of his involvement in steroids use.

However, just recently, the ESPN reported that there is another baseball player who failed a steroid test. It’s the National Baseball’s MVP Player for the 2011, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. According to the report, Braun submitted a urine sample during the playoffs but it turned out positive for testosterone. He was informed of the positive steroid test in October but the baseball’s MVP appealed the results.

Elevated Levels of Synthetic Testosterone

Braun’s sample showed an elevated level of testosterone and it was a synthetic one. It means the testosterone was not produced naturally in the body, an indication that he is taking something to enhance his performance. ESPN’s source also revealed that Braun immediately requested for a confirmatory test and the result was negative. Braun is now contesting the previous result and believes he will be exonerated in the case.

USA Today also quoted a press release issued by Braun’s camp. “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,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”

Although there was no confirmation from the league or from the Milwaukee Brewers about the alleged positive test, the statement from Braun’s agency validates the news report from ESPN. Braun insists that he is not doping and questioned the validity of the test. However, it must be noted that the league never gives-in to any appeal. Players who are caught using performance enhancing drugs will surely get the 50-game suspension.

Possible Suspension before 2012 Season Starts

If Ryan Braun is unsuccessful in his appeal, sports analysts say that the 50-game suspension might be handed down before the start of the 2012 season. On the other hand, if he wins the case he will have difficulty in bringing back his reputation. In previous interviews, Braun said that he never took steroids and don’t need steroids to hit more home runs. But a positive test or even a false positive will change everything. This incident will hound him up to the time that he will become eligible in the Hall of Fame.

The Milwaukee Brewer slugger has an average of 36 home runs in his first 5 major league seasons. This year, he had .332 batting average, 33 home runs and 111 RBI. His contract with the Milwaukee Brewers was extended to another 5 year contract.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS