Ryan Braun: Non-Positive PED Test Means It's Too Early to Judge NL MVP

Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun has pretty much been written off by everyone at this point, but news that his test wasn't positive for performance-enhancing drugs should bring those current thoughts to a halt. 

I'm not necessarily calling Ryan Braun innocent at this point, but I'm just saying we should wait a little bit before we call him guilty too.

The report states that Braun did indeed test positive for a prohibited substance, but "that substance was not a performance-enhancing drug."

Of course, Braun, just like everyone else, is going to come out and say that he didn't knowingly take an illegal substance.

I get that, and I understand that he's going to say those types of things whether he's innocent or not.

A spokesman for Braun released a statement, saying:

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"There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate that there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident that he will ultimately be exonerated."

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Again, this is just the legal side of things. Everyone is just saying what they are supposed to say. 

This is why we need to wait to pass judgement. Braun failed a test, yes, and things don't look good for him.

But all the details are far too hazy right now. Let's wait and see why he truly failed the test and then we can attack the MVP if we want.

The fact that this is being called a highly-unusual event and it is one that has "never been seen in the history of (baseball's) drug-prevention program" makes me a little weary.

This just doesn't seem like a normal case. It doesn't seem to be as clear-cut as the Manny Ramirez or Alex Rodriguez cases.

So let's be patient, wait for the facts before passing judgement.

Like America wants us to do.