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There is no joy in Budville, mighty Major League Baseball has struck out.
Meaning Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun has had his 50-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs has been overturn by an arbitrator Thursday (Feb. 23). It’s the first time a player has successfully grieved a drug-related punishment.
MLB may go to federal court to have the ruling overturned.
Braun tested positive in October for elevated testosterone in his system.
Nicole Moneer Guerrero and Nicole Genarella were not dressed like this for their "Sports & Torts" appearance. Maybe next time.
“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision,” he said Thursday in a statement. “It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.
“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.”
Let the record show — despite what Braun might say — there is a difference between having the ban lifted and being innocent.
At a press conference Friday at spring training in Maryville, Ariz., Braun said:
“Today is for everybody who has ever been wrongly accused. The simple truth is that I’m innocent.
“If I had done this [take a banned substance] intentionally or unintentionally, I’d be the first one to step up and say I did it. I would bet my life this substance never entered my body.”
MLB executive vice president for labor relations Rob Manfred issued the following statement Thursday:
“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field. It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline. We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.
“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute. While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”
The reasoning for overturning the ban apparently concerned a perceived problem with the chain of custody of Braun’s sample — because the person who collected the sample did not go directly to a FedEx office for shipping because he thought it was closed on a Saturday and the sample wouldn’t be shipped until Monday.
Commissioner Bud Selig is said to be “livid” at having the ban overturned. Whether that actually is so is something only he knows. Conspiracy theorists will point to Selig’s previous ownership of the Brewers and doubt he truly is upset at a ban that would affect the Brewers not only on the field but in the seats of Miller Park.
Oh, well.
Let’s welcome back the steroid era in baseball. As if it ever went away.
Maybe Braun will adopt a new tune to accompany his approach to the batter’s box. At no charge (and remember, you get what you pay for), here are a couple of suggestions that will have Braun playing from the start of the season — thanks to a lapse in the chain of custody regarding his urine sample:
“Unchained Melody”:
“Unchain My Heart” (this one features Joe Cocker, though the Ray Charles version might be better for this case in which the scales of justice indeed would seem blind):
Barbie Zweifel, Nicole Moneer Guerrero, Samantha Slaven and Nicole Genarella
As expected, the Feb. 23 edition of “Sports & Torts” was outstanding. And not merely because Nicole Moneer Guerrero, Nicole Genarella, Samantha Slaven and Barbie Zweifel were in the studio with David Spada and Elliott Harris. Although from this vantage point, they were a major factor. Add in more than 30 minutes with legendary broadcaster Joe Garagiola and a segment with legendary comedian Jonathan Winters and you have an incredibly impressive lineup. And all the guests were great — especially the lovely ladies.
To check out the show, you can click here.
Anyone interested in becoming part of the fun that is “Sports & Torts” by advertising on the show may contact David Spada via email at david@injuryinillinois.com.
After the show, Nicole Moneer Guerrero took some time to provide some exercise instruction. Unfortunately, one of the videos evaporated or something and disappeared when it came time to review and post. Fortunately, the other video survived, as did attorney David Spada, who helped out in the instructional video. Maybe next time we will let him dress more casually — certainly more casually than dress shirt, tie and slacks. Hope he wasn’t too fatigued in his scheduled court date.
OK, let’s go to the video:
The Chicago Slaughter will hold a book drive Friday (Feb. 24) as part of its Dr. Seuss Theme Night at its 7:35 p.m. game at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. The Slaughter will give a voucher (one per person) for a ticket to those who donate a book that will benefit the Little City Foundation.
Here’s a more creative way to put it (thanks to the Slaughter):
On 2/24, come out for a game
With family, with friends – it’s fun just the same
We’re playing the Steelhawks from Lehigh Valley
So come for the game and come for the rally
The LORAX, the movie is coming out soon
So come, come and join the hullabaloo
Bring a book and make a donation
We hope you can join our Dr. Seuss celebration
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