Ryan Braun, the Hebrew Hammer, May Receive Record Suspension for Drugs
Benched? Ryan Braun may be suspended for 100 games if allegations of his use of performance enhancing drugs are proven. Image by Getty Images
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, nicknamed “The Hebrew Hammer,” could be subject to the longest suspension ever by Major League Baseball for using performance enhancing drugs, according to reports by ESPN.
Braun, was the National League MVP in 2011 and is a five-time All-Star. However, for two years now he has been suspected of purchasing performance enhancing drugs (known as PEDs) from the lab Biogenesis of America and could receive a 100-game suspension from the league.
Tom Bosch, founder of Biogenesis of America, a lab that reportedly provided performance enhancing drugs to numerous baseball players, has been cooperating with Major League Baseball to provide information on his client list.
After the news surfaced of the possibility of a new ban, Braun told reporters, “I addressed it in spring training. The truth has not changed. I don’t know the specifics of the story that came out today, but I’ve already addressed it. I’ve commented on it. I’ll say nothing further about it.”
In October 2011, Braun tested positive for elevated testosterone and was handed a 50-game suspension. However, he denied any drug use and successfully appealed the ruling.
If suspended this season, he will be the highest profile player to receive such a penalty during the height of his career. Braun, 29, is coming off a season where he hit a career-high 41 home runs, but only has nine through 53 games in 2013 so far.
Other notable players MLB is targeting include Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera and Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz.
Officials from Major League Baseball will meet with Bosch on Friday and then decide on whether or not to proceed with the suspensions.
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