Braun's failed test caused by medication

[kylehess10]

What do you all think of this?

http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/19/ryan-b.../#.Tu_LENRrOrk

[frikativ54]

If he wanted to exonerate himself, the best tactic would be to spill the beans as to his medical condition. Anyone can say that he has a "private medical condition." What would be far more convincing would be to name the medical problem and substance that caused the positive test. At least that's how he could gain back respectability in my eyes.

[sylbry]

Here is the speculated medical condition. Of course this could just be kicking a man while he is down too.

http://www.throughthefencebaseball.c...-herpes/15191/#

[xpress34]

Of course I'll be branded a 'conspiracy theorist' (again) by at least one person on the boards, but - if it's a medical issue, why not just state that from the get go?

Not asking for specifics - yet - but this whole 'secrecy' and the statement of 'extreme extenuating circumstances' rather than a private medical condition just beg you to say BS.

[WadeInBmore]

Smitty I agree with you.

If I'm not mistaken, ANYTIME I've taken a drug test im the past you have the opprotunity to disclose any medications that you may be on and other "issues" that you may have at the time of the test. THAT is when you speak up and say "you know, I do have this thing".

Too little too late IMO. He had his shot to speak up, he came up positive...end of story. It's like when a student comes into my class and a paper/assignment is due...IF you don't have it in class when it's due, it is late...period.

Somebody needs to stand up and take responsibility for their actions and use this thing as a lesson learned. You should not be able to talk your way out of this thing no matter who you are. I'm sure he isn't the first person to take whatever he was taking, and if this was another player, one might be quick to say that he was using substance "a" to cover up substance "b".

The entire steroid thing is a headache. This case is a lose lose for everyone as it stirs up major trust issues for fans. Accountability is something that they want among the masses but that seems to disappear when solely looking at the individual.

I also can't help but think about Canseco's (first?) book when he said that players like Cal Ripken Jr where u touchable and treated differently. All I know is that in the end I hope MLB does the right thing and sends theright message.

Wade

[godwulf]

Regarding the steroid story linked by sylbry, the supposed quote from the Brewers officials - "He'll be let off" if the herpes story is true - seems a bit premature and self-serving. Taking a banned substance for a medical condition doesn't always get a person off in these situations; we've all seen Olympic athletes lose their medals because they were taking some prescription (or even OTC) medication for a cold. Injured players would always have the excuse that they had a medical need to make their injury heal faster, if that need alone made them exempt from the ban. Braun will no doubt preserve much of his fan base and his personal reputation, if he took the steroids inadvertantly, but he should still be on the hook for the suspension. "I didn't know what I was taking" is a (pun fully intended) piss-poor excuse.

[cohibasmoker]

If he wanted to exonerate himself, the best tactic would be to spill the beans as to his medical condition. Anyone can say that he has a "private medical condition." What would be far more convincing would be to name the medical problem and substance that caused the positive test. At least that's how he could gain back respectability in my eyes.

Did you notify Braum and/or his agent and tell them the importance of disclosing his "Private Medical Condition" so his reputation would be restored in your eyes? Once they understand the importance of restoring faith in "your eyes" that aspect would be way more important than keeping their personal affairs private.

Just an opinion

Jim

[jppopma]

I've never been asked anything at the times of random drug testing. They call you in, pee in the cup, and they send you back on the road.

My thoughts on Braun are;

• who says and how do they know that it's herpes?
  what strain of herpes (could just be a cold sore)?
  how much of a difference is there between jock itch and herpes?
  why do people think that they deserve full disclosure into everyone's life?

Many of these drug tests have alert points for many substances. There are more tests that can be done to determine the exact level and makeup of the drug. I'm sure that MLB is performing these test now and will make a determination on the totality of the tests.

If he in the clear? Not really. Like Godwulf said, there are some over the counter things that are banned for athletes. Chances are if he took even one too many of these pills, he could be screwed.

(Also be nice to Frik, she may be more concerned with his possible herpes issue than the rest of us guys)

[NEFAN]

Smitty I agree with you.

If I'm not mistaken, ANYTIME I've taken a drug test im the past you have the opprotunity to disclose any medications that you may be on and other "issues" that you may have at the time of the test. THAT is when you speak up and say "you know, I do have this thing". Wade

That use to be the way it was done. Now due to HIPA laws, thay can't ask you anything medical.

[vonbrandingo]

Doesn't matter if HIPAA laws prohibit questioning of existing conditions if a test is not administered by a doctor. He had plenty of time to get a doctor's note about his herpes medication to clear the test results before it blew up in his face. Either he's an idiot with no tact or he's a straight up doper without a reason for doping but to enhance his performance.