It seems like I've talked about this topic for far too long. This time instead of a fading superstar going towards the end of his career. An All-Star in the prime of his career has tested positive for PEDs (performance enhancing drugs). At this point I could care less if it was a supplement that triggered a positive test or an actual steroid. The bottom line with me is that you tested positive.
Brewers OF Ryan Braun, this past seasons National League MVP no less has now been put into a new category. A performance enhancer. A cheater. Whether he can successfully appeal the 50 game suspension coming his way, public opinion will not change.
I find it hard to believe that the majority of fans don't care about guys testing positive for PEDs. There was a lot of pressure from the media, congress and fans to clean up the sport. Now that the sport is testing players, suddenly the fans don't care if a star player tests positive?
The big picture here is that Ryan Braun is still going to get paid. He'll be making $127.5 million dollars for the next nine years in Milwaukee. Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is still the highest paid player in baseball. OF Manny Ramirez will be looking for a new team to play for this year. Heck Mark McGwire was welcomed back with open arms as a hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.
It's not right in my opinion, but it goes with risk now in baseball. You'd have to think that everyone isn't cheating now. These guys are being tested through the minor league system before they even get into the majors. What will be interesting though is how many are using HGH (human growth hormone). That test won't go into effect until next season. Things could get worse.
You can't assume anything anymore in baseball. I admit that this news isn't shocking to me anymore. You're always wondering if that once in a lifetime season was done without any help from PEDs. It's unfortunate, but it has become the reality. I love this sport, but I also know that in the post steroid era we are going to have more guys testing positive. Even if it has nothing to do with steroids.