NL MVP Braun has positive drug test, appealing

In this Oct. 9, 2011, file photo, Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun hits a two-RBI double during the fifth inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals, in Milwaukee. / File,AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

NEW YORK - National League MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, a case still under appeal to an arbitrator under Major League Baseball's drug program, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke Saturday night on condition of anonymity because the appeal is still ongoing. The positive test was first reported by ESPN.

If Braun's appeal is denied, the Milwaukee Brewers star would be subject to a 50-game suspension.

Braun tested positive for elevated testosterone, ESPN said, adding that a later test determined the testosterone was synthetic.

If suspended, Braun would be eligible to return for Milwaukee's May 31 game at the Los Angeles Dodgers, barring any postponements. He would miss the first 57 days of the major league season, losing about $1.87 million of his $6 million salary

"There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate that there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program," Braun's representatives at the Creative Artists Agency 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 that he will ultimately be exonerated."

Under Major League Baseball's drug program, if a player appeals a first positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, an announcement isn't made until after a decision. Appeals usually are heard by Shyam Das.

The person familiar with the situation said Braun and others involved in the appeals process have known about the positive test since late October.

The 28-year-old outfielder hit .312 with 33 homers and 111 RBIs this year and led Milwaukee to the NL championship series, where the Brewers lost to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Braun already was signed through 2015 when the Brewers gave him a new deal running through 2020 that added $105 million and guaranteed him a total of $145.5 million over a decade.

[GoUnion86]

Had Hank , The Babe, and Willie Mays been on steroids, the home run total would look something like this:

1. Hank Aaron 1183
2. Babe Ruth 1097
3. Willie Mays 988
4. Barry Bonds 762

[magnumdr]

What a bunch of bull. A test that was done 6 months ago. How long does it take to screw with these tests. I say he was setup and sombody is lieing about this crap!

[nursemark-2009]

So when it is all said and done, and it turns out that there is an not so innocent answer for this. Does the MVP go to Matt Kemp?

[royalstar05]

If he got testosterone from his doctor, he should be left alone. Alot of people take it so it isnt a big deal. It should be ok to take it by MLB standards.

[Montana5]

Like his agent says, I'm sure there's an explanation....synthetic testosterone in the blood stream.... don't know about you, but happens to me all the damn time. It's real sneaky stuff.

[sweetcakesmaria]

Braun's appeal should be fully heard but if it's denied, he should be made to return his MVP trophy which then should be awarded to the MVP runnerup, Matt Kemp.