Ryan Braun tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during his MVP season, ESPN reports. The Brewers outfielder reportedly tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone. A secondary test was performed on his sample and it was determined the testosterone was synthetic, meaning it came from outside his body.
The urine sample reportedly was provided during the playoffs, and he was notified of the positive test late October. Braun reportedly has been disputing the positive test, telling people around him that he did not knowingly take any banned substances.
A spokesman for Braun issued a statement Saturday: “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.”
In a February 2009 interview with MLB.com, Braun said he wasn’t interested in using steroids.
“It’s never something that I sought,” Braun said before showing a flash of his sense of humor and his well-documented self-confidence. “I would never do it because if I took steroids, I would hit 60 or 70 home runs.”
When asked about the revelation that Alex Rodriguez used steroids, Braun said “It will be interesting to see what he has to say. I will say that I think he’s done everything that he should have done [since the story broke] and the best thing he can do is come out, admit to everything and be completely honest. The situation will die a lot faster if he tells the whole truth.”
Braun is facing a 50-game suspension as a first-time offender of MLB’s PED policy. He is 12th MVP associated with PED usage, joining Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Miguel Tejada, Jason Giambi, Juan Gonzalez, Pudge Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Ken Caminiti, Mo Vaughn, Roger Clemens, and Jose Canseco. I still think Matt Kemp was slightly more valuable in the regular season.
