NL MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for performance enchancing drugs,
reports Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn of ESPN.
YokalSports.com was the first to report the news (on Twitter).
Braun is facing a 50-game suspension and is disputing the positive
test through arbitration.
"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," said a spokesman for Braun 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."
Braun, 28, was notified of the positive test in late-October.
Elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system triggered the positive
test, which prompted MLB to ask the testing agency to perform a second test.
The second test determined that the testosterone was synthetic, meaning it
was produced outside of Braun's body.
The Brewers signed Braun to a five-year contract extension worth $105MM back
in April, which will keep him in Milwaukee through 2020. He led the Brewers
to the NL Central crown and took home MVP honors by hitting .332/.397/.597
with 33 homers and 33 steals. It was his fourth 30+ homer season in his five
years as a big leaguer.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/ryan-braun-tested-positive-for-peds.html