Ryan Braun Joins the Group of "Railroaded" Athletes

Ryan Braun tested positive for high levels of testosterone. Braun claims that he is a victim of highly unusual circumstances and is innocent.

The situation is merely more fallout created by those who dictate acceptable methods players can use in their attempts to maximize performance.

Testosterone is produced by the testes in males and by the ovaries in females.

It is possible to increase testosterone levels naturally.  The "deciders" haven't banned using such methods, which include the use of zinc supplements, intake of vitamin D and exercise, possibly because they are ignorant of them.

Braun is accused of having used synthetic testosterone. For a healthy 28-year-old male, there is little chance of serious side effects if the use of the hormone is not over an extended period of time.

Testing for the presence of synthetic testosterone can produce false positives. What produced Braun's positive result will be revealed, but that's not the point.

If an athlete can increase levels of substances humans produce, it is the individual's choice how to accomplish that goal. The fact that MLB is a privately run cartel allows those in power to dictate the rules.

Human growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is an excellent example. Exercise and the ingestion of amino acids can increase levels. The greatest amount of HGH is produced during the first two hours of sleep.

HGH increases muscle growth, tissue health and produces better sleep. There are risks, including decreasing the production of natural  HGH by the pituitary gland.

Two amino acids found in protein-rich foods that increase HGH levels are arginine and ornithine. Supplements can be purchase at any drug store. The only risks are taking too much.

Ryan Braun's legacy, even if he is exonerated, is tarnished. It is unlikely that if he retires as an almost certain Hall of Famer, he will ever be elected.

Just ask Jeff Bagwell.