The report that Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun tested positive for anabolic steroids has been a hot topic in the world of Major League Baseball over the past couple of days. He faces a 50-game suspension.
Braun is arguably one of the biggest names to have been caught with an analytical positive for steroids. He was recently voted the National League’s Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).
Specifically, Braun had an elevated testosterone:epitestosterone (T:E) ratio in a urine sample collected during a Brewers-Cardinals playoff game in October 2011. Sources told the New York Daily News that the T:E ratio was “insanely high, the highest ever for anyone who has ever taken a test, twice the level of the highest test ever taken.”
This led several sportswriters to report that Braun had extremely elevated testosterone levels. However, such an implication is extremely misleading.
The T:E ratio is exactly that – a ratio. It provides no information on the absolute blood serum level of testosterone. At best, it is a putative indicator of exogenous testosterone use.
The same sample was also analyzed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Montreal using carbon isotope ratio testing (CIR). This type of anti-doping test is used as a confirmatory analysis for the T:E ratio test. In Braun’s case, it indicated that the testosterone was of exogenous origin. In other words, it was introduced into the body via pill, injection, cream, etc.
Braun has called the analytical positive “B.S.” A representative for the Braun camp has told the media that Braun is completely innocent.
“There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program,” according to the spokesperson.
Braun also voluntarily submitted a second urine sample after he was told that he failed a steroid test. The second sample reportedly revealed a perfectly normal T:E ratio.
There has been rampant speculation about the “unusual circumstances” that could possibly explain Braun’s positive.
Some believe Braun may argue that the T:E ratio was so unusually high that it must be inaccurate especially given that the second test was normal.
Many people have given Braun the benefit of a doubt since Braun doesn’t fit the “steroid stereotypes” and has “impeccable character”.
Of course, everyone is anxiously awaiting the defense offered by Braun. This story will undoubtedly remain in the news for several weeks.
Source:
Carroll, W. (December 11, 2011). What we know and what we don’t know about Braun’s positive test. Retrieved from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/will_carroll/12/10/braun-positive-test/index.html
Thompson, T. ( December 11, 2011). Ryan Braun’s initial PED test results were ‘insanely high,’ NL MVP’s lawyer insists client did not take PEDs. Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/ryan-braun-initial-ped-test-results-insanely-high-nl-mvp-lawyer-insists-client-peds-article-1.990020
