What a way to get this humble blogger away from a self-imposed hiatus.
The ruckus that ESPN has created around Ryan Braun testing positive for banned steroids has caused him to be considered guilty until otherwise admonished.
Let’s look at the facts. During the playoffs all participating players are tested. Apparently Braun’s was the only sample to come back positive, although I’m sure others might still be in the system but properly remain anonymous. However, later reports indicated that the amount of banned substance in his system would’ve have killed him.
Braun vehemently denies the result and has repeatedly requested re-tests, one of which was granted and came out clean.
In the past, the existence of steroids in a player’s system could be evident by his statistics, which historically would show vast improvement over his average before taking them. This is not the case with Braun who has been exceptionally consistent since he broke in during the 2007 season.
This consistency has been the result of vigorous training, so much so that he has been told to ease up on it during the season.
Ryan Braun is not a bonehead and he certainly knows the rules. It’s incomprehensible that he would knowingly risk his career over something that his performance indicates he doesn’t need.
Yet a great many people want to get on the bandwagon and accuse him of cheating before all of this is cleared up.
If it sounds like I’m defending him, so be it. Those here in Milwaukee who are real fans know that this accusation is so contrary to the Ryan Braun they have seen.
Next to his good friend Aaron Rodgers, he is the most popular athlete in the state.
He owns a popular restaurant in Milwaukee and has proven to be a good team representative going out into the community during the season.
He understands that many young boys emulate him much the way I emulated Hank Aaron when I was a kid. It would be devastating to those kids if this turns out to be true.
Performance is fleeting but image is everything. I have to believe that if Braun did take it and got caught he would’ve admitted it.
So let’s not jump to conclusions.
And if it does indeed turn out to be a mistake, then ESPN owes Ryan Braun an apology for tarnishing his reputation; for no matter what happens from here on out, there will always be that dark disturbing and fleeing thought every time he steps to the plate.
Going Yard 