Braun tests positive for PED | Presser update pg. 42

[trwi7]

Calcaterra hasn't mentioned replication but he's on Braun's side.

[neiLz]

1PM Eastern Time, Braun Will Speak on MLB Network!

[emunney]

I wonder if this wasn't just a **** up where the collector lied about refrigerating it to cover his own ass.

[ReasonablySober]

I wonder if this wasn't just a **** up where the collector lied about refrigerating it to cover his own ass.

The thought had occurred to me.

[crkone]

There are too many conflicting stories out there right now, from the lab saying the sample was degraded to Braun's side saying it was. I think the only thing that may shed some light will be the arbitrator's report.

[jimmybones]

He's passed 25 tests, had one negative test where he had ridiculous testosterone levels, and he was the first player cleared. If people still want to assume he does it, it's their prerogative, but they are a clown, period.

This is what I don't get. Having spiked test levels would make you guilty, but not prove you used test as a PED. If he passed other tests, I 100% believe he is innocent. A temporary spike in test is completely pointless and would do very little in terms of gaining strength or minimizing recovery. Test has to be consistently elevated for it to even make a difference in performace. It's not like caffeine where you can get instant results. If he passed other tests within months of the "failed" test, I have no doubt in my mind the error is on MLB.

Also, Braun is widely reported as a hard worker. If he truly had the "highest test levels ever" in his body, he'd surely have more muscle mass. Braun's power comes from ridiculous core stength, not muscle mass.

[WEFFPIM]

MLB Network's coverage starting now, we'll see if they shed any light on this. I trust them more than ESPN.

[Kerb Hohl]

MLB Network's coverage starting now, we'll see if they shed any light on this. I trust them more than ESPN.

Their opinion panel at the desk last night wasn't much better. They were ranting about the technicality as well.

Harold Reynolds was just hilarious. "What happened to water and weights? That's all I ever needed and all you needed in my day!"

Yeah, Harold. I'm sure the guy on water and weights is enjoying his time down in Durham or Raleigh or whatever farm system he can at age 29 right now.

[WEFFPIM]

Hmmm, MLB Network brings on a PROSECUTING attorney, who says that in any drug case, chain of custody is critical.

Think ESPN will bring this guy on?

[trwi7]

You'd think one of ESPN's seemingly many legal experts would point that out in the first place.

[MickeyDavis]

I hope Braun just let's it go and we get on to baseball. You can bring in expert after expert and no one will change their mind anyway.

[Captain Erv]

The worst part about ESPN's coverage is that now that a verdict has been reached they act like they know ALL the answers. We've waited 3 months for this thing to come to a head, don't you think you'd want to wait for a few more details to come out before you start pushing this 'technicality' reasoning?

[MrLynch07]

You'd think one of ESPN's seemingly many legal experts would point that out in the first place.

+1

I guess this is what happens when your owned by Disney, gotta show the kids you can never win when you take drugs

[Kerb Hohl]

Anyone wanna give relatively live updates of the presser today? Probably could watch at work, but don't want to.

EDIT: Maybe I'll stream from phone.

[coolhandluke121]

There are too many conflicting stories out there right now, from the lab saying the sample was degraded to Braun's side saying it was. I think the only thing that may shed some light will be the arbitrator's report.

The part about synthetic testosterone is still what gives me pause. Has that been confirmed? Mishandling the sample couldn't explain that AFAIK. And the lab did say that the seal was not tampered with (at least according to one report). If the testosterone was synthetic and the sample not tampered with, that tends to make me think Braun is actually guilty.

On the other hand, in his first press release he made that cryptic statement about cooperating and "sharing every detail of his life" in order to make sure the truth comes out. Kind of sounds like it is a personal issue, as so many have speculated. Bizarre.

Bottom line for me is that the burden of proof was on Braun. Those people comparing it to a criminal trial just don't get it. You don't get off on a technicality because you are not "presumed innocent until proven guilty." And then there's the big-picture evidence; no huge muscles, same speed and agility as always, same numbers as always, many negative results in the past. All in all, I have no qualms about cheering for him like I always have.

[trwi7]

Bottom line for me is that the burden of proof was on Braun.

Bingo. Really all that needs to be said. You have to prove to the arbitrator that there was a problem with the test or how it was handled and the arbitrator has to see the evidence of your case. If you can't prove that conclusively, the suspension stands so obviously there was something big that was able to get Das to change the guilty to innocent.

[WEFFPIM]

At least Brian Kenny and Dan Plesac are prefacing everything by saying "From what we know..." about winning his case predominantly on the chain of custody issue. At least they're leaving the door open for another angle that Braun and his legal team attacked. ESPN refuses to do that.

[WEFFPIM]

Kameron Loe was certainly getting cozy with someone.

[trwi7]

Here comes Braun walking in from the outfield.

[paulpressey25]

I'm watching this. Did he deny ever using PED's? or did he say something like "to the best of my knowledge I didn't put these drugs in my system"?

Ok..now says no personal medical issues or STD's in his life.

This is going to get interesting.