You can't trust anyone these days: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers, Fails PED Test

ESPN reported that Ryan Braun tested posted for performance enhancement drugs. Braun is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in which he hit .332 with 33 home runs. His stellar performance even earned him the N.L. MVP award.

Braun is disputing the test results, but theses tests have shown to usually be very accurate. His best option is to do what Andy Pettitte did a couple years ago and fully confess. If he takes responsibility right away he'll gain some of public's respect. For baseball fans, it's guilty until proven innocent. Can I say that Braun definitely took performance enhancing drugs? No. Am I fairly confident that he did? Yes.

I support the admission of steroid users before MLB began its investigations. In the 1990's and early 2000's, many players used performance enhancement drugs. Their use may have been unethical, but the league did not strictly prohibit. Now that PED use has officially been condemned by MLB, players have no excuse today. With the increased testing, more players are not using these drugs. Thus, those who are using the drugs have a significant advantage over their peers. For example, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens both probably used steroids, showing that both hitters and pitchers used the drugs. The balance of play was adjusted. During 2011, Braun could have gained a significant advantage over clean pitchers.

I really hope that the tests were a mistake. Part of me really wants them to be. I used to be a big fan of Ryan Braun, but now I do not know how to interpret his achievements.