MLBPA chief releases statement on Braun

New York, NY – MLB Players Association executive director game suspension for a reported positive test for enhancing drugs.

ESPN reported this weekend that Braun, the National League's Most Valuable Player, tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in a urine sample taken during the playoffs. The report said Braun is disputing the test results through arbitration.

Weiner issued a statement regarding the situation upon arriving in Venezuela on Tuesday.

"Our Joint Drug Agreement is designed to protect a player from a rush to judgment before he can challenge a reported positive test result," Weiner said. "Fairness dictates that Ryan Braun be treated no differently. I urge all to reserve judgment on this matter until the JDA's process has played itself out."

While no MLB player has ever successfully appealed a drug test, a report later on Saturday said a second test requested by Braun turned up negative.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, per a source, that the negative test was being used in Braun's appeal process. The paper's source said the banned substance was not a performance-enhancing drug.

A spokesperson for Braun said in a statement that there are "highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence."

Braun, the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year, led the league this past season with a .994 OPS and .597 slugging percentage and finished second with a .332 batting average, 336 total bases and 109 runs scored. He finished fourth with 111 RBI and tied for sixth with 33 home runs, leading the Brewers to the NL Central crown.