This past year, baseball has stolen the headlines for all the right reasons, until now.
After a World Series that was considered one for the ages, free agent madness ensued with Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson joining the Angels, while Jose Reyes left for South Beach.
All was going well for Bud Selig and the MLB. Everyone seemed to—at one point—forget the steroid era. With the new drug testing implemented back in 2006 and with the new HGH testing set to start next year, MLB finally came out from under the shadow of performance-enhancing drugs.
That dark cloud soon returned once news came out that Ryan Braun tested positive for PEDs. Braun, 28, is considered one of the best all-around players in the MLB today.
Braun represented so many things to the MLB. Not only was he the leader and future of the Milwaukee Brewers, but he was part of the group of future stars that were supposed to bring baseball out of the steroid era. And on top of that, he was a role model, beloved by the fans.
A player as prominent as him brings many repercussions not only to himself, but the MLB and all other players. Besides tarnishing his career, Braun may very well get the MVP award he received this year taken away.
Even though the Baseball Writer’s Association of America (BBWAA) has never taken away an award, never has someone tested positive immediately after they won it.
The MLB's drug testing will be scrutinized even more, although its drug-testing policy is stricter than all other major sports. When a popular player such as Braun tests positive, it gives people reason to wonder what other big name player has cheated.
This news will cast a dark shadow over baseball, with fans questioning when another star will test positive. Players that do not cheat the system will still be questioned and won't be given the credit they deserve.
With Braun out for 50 games, the team that trusted him won't be able to compete without their star player.
Braun made a mistake and should come out and tell the truth before his reputation worsens. Never has a player won an appeal against the drug test policy.
While Braun writes an apology speech, Selig and the MLB better think about the next step to take to right the ship.
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