The Curious Case of Ryan Braun

Let me get this out of the way first in case you've never read my blog before: I'm a Cubs fan. Have been 95% of my life.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way, it's time to move onto the press conference from earlier today given my Milwaukee Brewers LF Ryan Braun. In December, ESPN reported that Braun has tested positive during the postseason in October of having an elevated level of testosterone during a drug test. The results were leaked to ESPN from a source and Braun immediately disputed and appealed the results. Braun also submitted a second test that showed normal testosterone levels. His appeal was heard in January and on February 23rd, 2012, and arbitration panel overturned the suspension.

Things since the ruling was issued has bordered between weird and weirder. First, it was reported that the collector took the sample home and stored it in his fridge all weekend because the sample was taken on a Saturday and he assumed FedEx was closed at the time. There hasn't been any reports on where it was stored, but I would hope it wasn't near the apple juice.

Then a report followed that stated that the sample was not refrigerator but actually stored in a Tupperware container on a desk for two days. Not sure why the second container was needed.

So, here's where we stand. Braun takes a test, in Milwaukee on Oct. 1st along with two other players. Sample was either stored in the collectors fridge or on a desk until Monday, then sent to the lab for testing at 1:30pm. On October 19th, Braun has been told that he produced a test with either 2 times more testosterone or 3 times more testosterone than any test before. Which makes Ryan twice the man I am. At some point, he submits a retest which comes back normal. You know, after his team is eliminated from the playoffs. He appeals in January 2012, finds out he wins on February 23rd, 2012. Here's what I don't understand...

If the man took 3 samples that day, did he take the other two samples home as well? Or did he just want Braun's to sit at home on his mantle for a weekend? The man only wanted to tamper with Braun's sample? Braun also said "If I had done this intentionally or unintentionally, I'd be the first to step up." Well Ryan, if it was unintentional, how would you step up? You said you "never gained a pound, never got faster." So how would you it be possible for you to unintentionally done something then? By the way, your career high in stolen bases before 2011 was 20 and you stole 33 last year. Oh and ladies of Wisconsin, Braun declared himself free of STD's so rest easy tonight.

Mr. Braun didn't prove himself innocent, he proved the negligence of someone else. It's not exactly the same thing.