Report: Ryan Braun Positive Test Caused By Medication

... that he is taking for "a private medical issue", according to the celebrity website TMZ.com.

5 months ago Al Yellon 87 comments 0 recs |

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I suppose Viagra is a performance enhancing drug.

Does anyone else see Soriano picking his nose?

by Holy Cattle on Dec 19, 2011 8:38 AM CST reply actions

http://www.instantrimshot.com

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 9:18 AM CST up reply actions

The rumor is that he took an anti-herpes medication

I’ve heard that from Brewer fans and it was on the evil BCB.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 8:49 AM CST reply actions

I heard the same thing.

You’d think, if that were true, he’d have had that cleared with team doctors and MLB before he took it.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 9:18 AM CST up reply actions

Indeed.

The only thing that I can guess is that he was embarrassed and trying to limit the number of people that were aware.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah...herpes can be...

…a sore spot.

"It's cold in April and nobody likes hard stuff in April. You go right after them and get in on their hands and get them unexpected, and it's a lot of fun." -- Matt Garza, 3/2011

by CaughtInTheVines on Dec 19, 2011 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs

...

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Dec 20, 2011 8:13 AM CST up reply actions

Probably.

And by doing that, he has endangered his reputation and risked a 50-game suspension.

Which choice is worse?

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

I bet he thought there was no way that happen

I’m sure there are a variety of athletes that have gotton sexually transmitted diseases before, so why not tell the trainer.

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

Really...

I mean, it’s not like it’s an uncommon thing for someone in that age range….you’d have to figure the problem would have been seen somewhat regularly.

"It's cold in April and nobody likes hard stuff in April. You go right after them and get in on their hands and get them unexpected, and it's a lot of fun." -- Matt Garza, 3/2011

by CaughtInTheVines on Dec 19, 2011 9:46 AM CST up reply actions

You're implying that you know when he got it

And you don’t.

and this is no laughing matter. From webmd

There’s no cure for genital herpes. Once infected, you’re infected for life.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Well, it's implied that he got it recently

Otherwise, he’d likely have been on the meds already, right?

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 9:53 AM CST up reply actions

I would think so

I didn’t get the “regularly” part.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 9:55 AM CST up reply actions

I think that CITV meant that it probably happens more than we realize with other players

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

But I'm be willing to guess that most of on this board

Also know how to prevent getting it.

So he made that mistake we don’t know when but he did at some point do something to get it & then quite possibly wasn’t honest about his meds and risked being suspended. When one has a job that you can be suspended for things like that.

A person chooses to make those choices, I’m sorry I find it bit humorous.

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

Keep in mind

Overall I do feel bad for the guy. He’s going to have to live with something that is going to affect his overall health for years to come. It’ll not only be a health concern for him a wife/ gf also have to live with that fact.

I would never wish this upon anyone at all.

But it’s not the disease I find amusing, but how he reacted to getting and dealing with it considering the job he has.

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

Come on now

I’m sure it was from some bad cheese curds.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly.

Especially with the risk of suspension from banned substances, wouldn’t you want to make sure first? The team certainly would have kept that confidential.

Now, not only is it out, but he’s risking suspension and his reputation. How incredibly stupid.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 9:50 AM CST up reply actions

It's atypical for a pro baseball player

He’s circled by people that will do whatever they need to to fix a problem. And they never think that any information will come out.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 9:57 AM CST up reply actions

So that makes it all right?

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 10:02 AM CST up reply actions

Not all right

But an athlete trying to cover it up should not surprise anyone.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

of course not

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

The other thing is he talks to MLB’s medical people not even to the trainer or the union and this never even gets out. Now it does.

But it really shouldn’t. It’s nobody’s business.

When I posted originally there are some medical conditions that require these medications I knew herpes was one that a person could obviously have and still play (most are conditions you wouldn’t most likely be able to) I didn’t mention that because of this reason. To be honest it was the first thing that came to mind.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Clearly

Bad judgement, really. And like MCF says, they’ve seen it before.

I have to think he’s serving 50. We’ll see.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

If this report is true

… I’m guessing the suspension is overturned, unless MLB has a ban on this particular med.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 10:03 AM CST up reply actions

Honestly if it’s required for your health it shouldn’t be. I think there might even be legal issues about that.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

The way that I understand the rule is, a player is responsible for knowing what is going into his body

If that’s the case, and it did result in a high testosterone level, he should have to serve. Unless MLB told him that the meds were ok.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

There should be a difference if it’s a prescribed for health reasons medication.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

Also

Also I believe they can do further testing and determine if the levels are consistent with the levels you should have due to medication and whether or not it’s excessive.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

There aren't any set levels

Not really. MLB is testing for the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E ratio). It’s 1:1 in most people, but it definitely can be higher in some individuals. Then a second test is run to determine if some of testosterone is exogeneous (synthetic). So it’s difficult to say how high the T/E ratio should be in a given individual on a certain medication.

The issue for Braun is that it appears he did not tell anyone what medication he was taking before the test.

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

And if this is really why he tested positive, he'll probably not win an appeal

The issue for Braun is that it appears he did not tell anyone what medication he was taking before the test.

Otherwise, it establishes a convenient “out”.

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Which makes Braun really, really stupid

… if this is true.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs

rec'd

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

Especially since if he had told them to begin with it probably would have never got out.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

^this

I mean, cmon, this isn’t high school anymore, if your taking meds regardless of what your taking them for, no matter how embarrassing, you have to say something, this is your career rep on the line, and playing time, and your salary. People are going to remember you for the guy who failed the steroid test, not the guy who has a condition that 1 in 5 Americans currently have…

UMD Bulldogs: 2011 NCAA DI Men's Hockey Nat'l Champions; 2009 & 2011 NCAA DII Football Nat'l Champions
"Victoria Concordia Crescit"

by bmasson11 on Dec 19, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

In other news today

It’s nice to see a fellow Arsenal fan who’s a Cubs fan, that makes about 2 in the world.

~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will

by unretrofied93 on Dec 19, 2011 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

Make that 3 at least someone who roots for them if not a big fan.

Have a great friend on the net who is as huge an Arsenal Fan as I am a Cubs fan. She roots for the Cubs and I root for them.

We have a I root for your guys you root for my guys kind of thing.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly how I started

~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will

by unretrofied93 on Dec 19, 2011 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

4

may addition by subtraction be real

by N Oakley on Dec 20, 2011 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

If he gets it overturned

he might be remembered someone who got it overturned b/c I was on medication for something else

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

He's still going to get suspended

But if he can verify this story, it will save his reputation. Better to be thought of as stupid than a cheater.

by Josh Timmers on Dec 19, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

I wonder if they might be able to negotiate out of the suspension if what he took is not a banned substance by MLB.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 5:00 PM CST up reply actions

Slippery slope

Rules are what they are.I’d be good with the league saying it wasn’t for a performance-enhancer, if needed. He broke the rules.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Dec 19, 2011 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

But do we know for sure he broke the rules

What do we know about the meds one is on for herpes? Happily I know nothing about the subject. Is anyone sure it’s a banned substance what ever is in those meds?

The Stat Pack

by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT

by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 19, 2011 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

Probably is

or the story has no traction.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Dec 19, 2011 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

well don't forget, this story "broke" before it was supposed to.

Had it not been leaked, presumably Team Braun would have offered up this same defense – only in private. And then MLB would have reviewed said defense/explanation and then come back with a ruling.

Sorry, but it’s still a banned substance? Announce results and suspension.

Ahhh, okay this one time but don’t let it happen again? It’s a non-story and the BCB torches and pitchforks go back in storage.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 19, 2011 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

We don't know if the drug he's taking is a banned substance.

Only that it caused a positive test.

Again, your point about this being leaked has caused this controversy.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 20, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

IF it is a topical cream that caused the spike in testosterone...

and can be completely out of the system in 24 hours, then he can still be in the clear IF the cream was applied after the game and the test was taken after that.

yep, that’s a couple big IF’s.

就是今年！

by CubFanInChina on Dec 20, 2011 7:54 AM CST up reply actions

I don't think we're allowed to discuss

elevated testosterone levels and use the words “clear” and “cream” in the same post.

may addition by subtraction be real

by N Oakley on Dec 20, 2011 8:47 AM CST up reply actions

Just like HGH based prescriptions?

~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will

by unretrofied93 on Dec 19, 2011 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

Not getting any is way worse.

I’m sure The Hebrew Hammer was bringing in some world class tail. Now where would it leave him?

Of course, I’m sure he’s importing it into Milwaukee.

by jerry morales rules on Dec 19, 2011 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

Hmm... would that make it "Old Milwaukee" or "Milwaukee's Best"?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 19, 2011 6:48 PM CST up reply actions

Al your title is misleading

First, this is a rumor. Second, we don’t know he is on herpes medications. Third, and most importantly, I know of no herpes medication that causes elevated testosterone levels.

The medications commonly taken for herpes are not close in structure to testosterone such that it would cause a false positive, and second, the medications commonly taken for herpes have nothing to do with the endocrine system such that you would expect it to cause a true elevation in testosterone levels. There is no way a drug would make it through the FDA if it did cause testosterone levels as high as Bruan’s were reported to be, as testosterone can stimulate some cancerous tumors.

This isn’t exactly my specialty, but this sounds like a rumor circulated to improve public opinion rather than something factual. I don’t know why Braun’s testosterone levels were so high, but I am pretty skeptical it could have anything to do with a herpes medication, unless he is using some off-label, experimental treatment I’ve never heard of, and then he wouldn’t be able to appeal his suspension anyway.

by tomas21 on Dec 19, 2011 10:03 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

The title is explained in the body of what I wrote on the fanshot.

I’m passing along a report. It’s from TMZ. Take that for whatever it’s worth.

Regarding your comments on this particular drug, I’ll take your word for it. We’ll just have to wait and see.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 10:04 AM CST up reply actions

Well I think Bleed Cubbie Blue is misleading

Nobody really bleeds Blue do they?

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

I do

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

No, you don't.

Not literally. That’s what he’s talking about.

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 11:15 AM CST up reply actions

I was kidding.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

Your title implies something definitive

by tomas21 on Dec 19, 2011 10:11 AM CST up reply actions

Better now?

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by Al Yellon on Dec 19, 2011 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

yes!

by tomas21 on Dec 19, 2011 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

I had heard this before as herpes medications some new ones being used as test.

Also it could be a combo of a drug and something else in Braun’s body.

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

First documented use of the herpes defense?

ah! It burrrrrrrrns!

which is more embarrassing to him? PED use or herpes?

by rgonzale on Dec 19, 2011 10:42 AM CST reply actions

Beats Manny trying to get pregnant.

The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 19, 2011 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

That's just Manny being womanny

Step Two: Develop an organizational plan

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2011 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

HEE HEE

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Excuses Excuses

This is just going to set a precedent for every single positive result

“I uhh….medications for a private illness i refuse to tell you about”

~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will

by unretrofied93 on Dec 19, 2011 11:54 AM CST reply actions

You know it's bad when MLB is quoting TMZ

"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum

by RiskyBusiness on Dec 19, 2011 12:16 PM CST reply actions

Even though TMZ is stupid...

…they can get the scoop before anyone else.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 19, 2011 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

TMZ isn’t bad all the time. I’ve dealt with them. Some of the people there are really nice.

I know of at least 2 times they’ve held onto a story I know about at request (but they still had the scoop but it was a few hours later than they would have had it if that makes sense),

Nothing happens unless it's first a dream

by puckishcubsfan on Dec 19, 2011 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps his doctor is Dr. Jack Badofsky...

A mild vegetable strain is know as ‘LeSueur Peas’…

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion? (Now #8452 in the Cubs Season Ticket Wait List...)

by Zeke on Dec 19, 2011 12:48 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Very interesting interview with Victor Conte

http://deadspin.com/5869473/victor-conte-says-ryan-brauns-test-result-is-exactly-what-youd-expect-from-fast+acting-testosterone-not-anabolic-steroids

At that time, I basically said that what they’re doing is using fast-acting testosterone – creams, gels, orals, patches – and they clear so quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours. … They could conceivably, after a game, use testosterone to help with tissue repair and healing and recovery and by the time they’d show up at the park the next day, their PE ratio would be normal. I always knew there was this giant loophole that you could drive a Mack truck through.

That’s fascinating to me. I didn’t realize that synthetic testosterone metabolized so quickly, and that sounds like a much more plausible explanation of the crazy levels that Braun reportedly had. Also thought this quote was interesting:

I don’t think growth hormone is effective as a performance enhancer.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2011 3:52 PM CST reply actions

That's not even controversial in medical circles

HGH does not improve athletic performance.

by Josh Timmers on Dec 19, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

Oh I know, I've argued that endlessly here

The HGH thing is a silly myth and testing for it probably does more to perpetuate its usage that prevent it.

It’s more that I thought it was interesting that Victor Conte doesn’t believe in HGH either.

by Wreckard on Dec 19, 2011 4:19 PM CST up reply actions

That explanation

makes a lot more sense given the circumstances than that it’s from a herpes medication. Not saying that’s why he tested positive, but there is a lot more logic behind that as an explanation than the current rumor.

by tomas21 on Dec 19, 2011 6:20 PM CST up reply actions

i don't know what's funnier

braun testing positive for PEDs or braun having herpes

THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)

by jesus christos on Dec 19, 2011 4:03 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Something says I should stay away from his restaurant in Milwaukee

~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will

by unretrofied93 on Dec 19, 2011 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

i can't imagine that the health rating is very high

THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)

by jesus christos on Dec 19, 2011 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

Why...

… are either of these funny?

by dmlichte on Dec 19, 2011 10:33 PM CST up reply actions

Schadenfreund

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Dec 20, 2011 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

Many drugs have more than one use... Maybe these are actually effective against Herpes...

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid. I'm a Sheeple and proud of it!
Spelling and grammar errors are included for creative and artistic reasons.

by eths on Dec 19, 2011 4:10 PM CST reply actions

Those aren't drugs or steroids.

D98 mistaken, a hyperbole as in a funny or revisionism as in trying to make a new fact to confirm a prejudice

by Kansas25 on Dec 19, 2011 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

Failed sarcasm on my part?

They are of questionable content, and there have been cases of these kinds of products being “tainted”.

by eths on Dec 20, 2011 7:57 AM CST up reply actions

He should still serve the suspension

The rules are clear. A player needs to know what they are putting into their bodies. They have many people surrounding them, including team resources to help them understand the rules, and their obligation to follow them. Otherwise, every positive test will get explained away as some unrelated medical issue.
I’m not heartless, just a feeling that he’s a pro athlete who should know better. If you believe him, that is. I’m not willing to just accept this explanation without proof. Over the years as a sports fan I’ve had a lot of things explained to me as a fan that turned out to be untrue. The responsibility remains the players. It has to be that way. And, gee. How embarrassed could he be? A pro athlete got a STD? You mean those guys mess around a lot?

by Nibbles on Dec 19, 2011 10:38 PM CST reply actions