After seeing this strong performance at the start of spring training today, I am starting to crawl back into the camp of "maybe he really WAS screwed!"
Kudos to Braun for pushing back strongly on how violated he was by the so-called "confidentiality" portion of the process, and kudos for standing up and taking questions.
Here's what stopped me in my tracks today, thinking about the drug testing "establishment." You know, the very sanctimonious folks at WADA and other such pee-pee collecting agencies. Think about this: how many times have you heard one of these PED scolds saying honestly, and frankly that "yes, mistakes are made. So we have to keep the possibility (regarding athlete X) that he or she is innocent."
You never hear that.
Never.
Yet mistakes are made. False positives exist.
They PED scolds at WADA, have one basic response to everyone of note who "gets caught."
"Yeah... sure. They all say that..."
Kind of like judges who say about defendants... "yeah, yeah, they all say they are innocent..."
Well, sometimes, they are innocent.
At the end of the day, both MLB and WADA would be pleased with a "big fish" being caught. It would send a chilling effect to other would be users, and more importantly for WADA, it would just further underscore their call for MORE testing and more ADVANCED testing (i.e. blood doping).
Remember, WADA is a business.
And there is a lucrative horizon of testing to be done on all sports, at increasingly sophisticated levels into the future. WADA doesn't prosper if it appears PED use is on the decline, or otherwise sufficiently "in check" buy current testing regimes.
Not saying it's a bona fide conspiracy. Not saying there was tampering. Just saying that if Ryan Braun loses, MLB and WADA "wins". Thus, you have to be suspicious.
In the case of Braun, you also have to give strong weight to the fact that neither his numbers nor his physical attributes showed any real "pop" that would make you suspicious. Granted, that isn't a foolproof exoneration of PED cheats.
But if his testosterone was indeed that sky high, well then he wasn't getting much "enhancement" of his actual performance.
Personally, I don't really care about athletes who might be juicing. I know they do, because I know it works. But the only people who really got their knickers in a wad, were the baseball nerds who became horrified at how Bonds was laying waste to the record book like Godzilla to a seaside Japanese village.
Them, and parents of kids who play sports and are worried that they'll run into the local corner version of Jose Canseco in their neighborhood.
Look, athletes need to be tested. Cheaters need to be punished. But the rush to judgement, and sanctimonious attitudes of the testing organizations and the leagues themselves, need to pump the brakes.
Ryan Braun's case, is a prime example. If you can't handle the pee pee in the exact manner you are OBLIGATED to handle it, then how can a MLB superstar trust that the more complicated process of testing for tiny amounts of banned substances is done correctly?
Ryan Braun Makes A Strong Case: A Closer Look at His Career and Controversies
In the world of professional sports, few stories are as intriguing and polarizing as that of Ryan Braun. A gifted baseball player known for his prodigious hitting and incredible athleticism, Braun's career has been marked by both extraordinary success and controversy. In this article, we will explore Ryan Braun's journey in Major League Baseball, his achievements, the controversies that have surrounded him, and the lasting impact he has made on the sport.
The Early Years
Ryan Braun was born on November 17, 1983, in Mission Hills, California. His passion for baseball developed at an early age, and it was clear from his youth that he possessed a rare talent for the game. Braun's journey to professional baseball began when he attended the University of Miami, where he played college baseball for the Miami Hurricanes.
During his college career, Braun's prowess on the field drew significant attention from scouts across the league. His combination of power, speed, and defensive skills made him a highly coveted prospect, and he was ultimately selected in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
MLB Debut and Early Success
Ryan Braun made his Major League Baseball debut on May 25, 2007, with the Milwaukee Brewers. From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear that he was a special talent. In his rookie season, Braun quickly established himself as one of the league's rising stars.
Braun's rookie campaign was nothing short of remarkable. He finished the season with a .324 batting average, 34 home runs, and 97 runs batted in (RBIs). These incredible statistics earned him the National League Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first Brewers player to receive the honor.
A Career of Achievements
Over the course of his career, Ryan Braun continued to build on his early success, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's premier players. He became known for his consistency at the plate, impressive power, and ability to drive in runs. Some of his notable achievements include:
1. Multiple All-Star Selections
Ryan Braun was selected to represent the National League in multiple MLB All-Star Games, showcasing his status as one of the league's elite players. His All-Star appearances were a testament to his consistent performance and offensive prowess.
2. The 2011 National League MVP
In 2011, Braun had a career-defining season. He led the National League in home runs (41) and runs scored (109) and finished second in batting average (.332). His outstanding performance earned him the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, further solidifying his place among baseball's greats.
3. A Silver Slugger
Braun was a recipient of the Silver Slugger Award multiple times in his career, recognizing his excellence as an offensive player. This award is given to the best offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues.
4. Milestones and Records
Throughout his career, Ryan Braun achieved numerous milestones, including reaching 300 career home runs and surpassing 2,000 career hits. He also set several franchise records with the Milwaukee Brewers, solidifying his legacy with the team.
Controversies and Challenges
While Ryan Braun's on-field achievements are undeniable, his career has been marred by controversies that have generated significant debate and discussion within the baseball community and beyond. Some of the most notable controversies include:
1. Performance-Enhancing Drug Allegations
In 2011, Braun tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) and faced a potential suspension. However, he successfully appealed the suspension, becoming the first player to do so under MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The controversy surrounding his positive test and subsequent appeal cast a shadow over his achievements and raised questions about the integrity of the game.
2. Subsequent Suspensions
In 2013, Braun faced another PED-related suspension and accepted a 65-game ban. This suspension further fueled criticism and raised questions about his credibility and integrity as a player.
3. Apologies and Redemption
Following his suspensions, Ryan Braun issued public apologies for his actions and acknowledged the mistakes he had made. He expressed regret for his past decisions and sought to rebuild his reputation and career.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Did Ryan Braun's controversies impact his legacy in baseball?
Yes, Ryan Braun's controversies had a significant impact on his legacy in baseball. While his on-field accomplishments were impressive, the PED-related suspensions and allegations cast a shadow over his career. Some fans and analysts view his achievements with skepticism, and his legacy is a subject of debate within the baseball community.
2. How did Ryan Braun address his PED-related controversies?
Ryan Braun publicly apologized for his PED-related controversies and acknowledged his mistakes. He expressed remorse for his actions and sought to make amends with fans, teammates, and the baseball community.
3. What is Ryan Braun's current status in baseball?
As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, Ryan Braun was not actively playing in Major League Baseball. He became a free agent after the 2020 season, and his future in the sport was uncertain at that time.
4. How will Ryan Braun be remembered in baseball history?
Ryan Braun's legacy in baseball is complex. He will be remembered both for his exceptional talent on the field and for the controversies that surrounded his career. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of PED-related issues on a player's reputation and legacy.
Ryan Braun's career in Major League Baseball is a story of incredible talent, impressive achievements, and controversial moments. While he achieved remarkable success on the field, his career was marred by PED-related controversies that continue to shape the way he is remembered in the world of baseball. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or as a player who overcame adversity, Ryan Braun's journey remains a significant and intriguing chapter in the history of America's pastime.
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