Ryan Braun: 5 Reasons Braun Did Not Take Performance-Enhancing Drugs

"Ryan Braun? Really? No, seriously, Ryan Braun took performance-enhancing drugs? No freaking way."

That was me in a press box at a local college basketball game on Saturday evening when I learned that Ryan Braun was facing a 50-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. My reaction of complete shock was not an uncommon one, as many Milwaukee Brewers fans and baseball fans in general were rendered speechless once the news broke.

When news like this breaks, it's easy to condemn the alleged guilty party. Performance-enhancing drugs are the scarlet letter in the fraternity of baseball. Once you're labeled, it's almost impossible to get rid of. And your legacy is ruined because the court of public opinion has already judged.

However, the public should not be quick to rush into judgement in this case. Unlike previous cases, there are several reasons why Ryan Braun did not take performance-enhancing drugs.

Ryan Braun's Consistency Throughout His Career

Normally, in cases where a player has taken PEDs, there is a gigantic spike in the player's statistical line. In other cases, there will be a season or two of ridiculous numbers that will make people stop and think whether a player has used.

In the case of Ryan Braun, none of this is true. In Braun's five-year career with the Brewers, he has been a model of consistency in the middle of the lineup. He has never topped over 40 home runs, and there never was a season where Braun went from virtually no production to All-Star status.

Even in the minor leagues, Braun's home-run-to-at-bat ratio (18.26) was consistent to that of his at the major league level (17.88).

The one argument that could be made is that if Braun had been using, the drugs were used for recovery more than for performance. With the exception of his rookie season in 2007 (in which he came up in May), Braun has not played under 150 games in a season. It's a stat that can't be ignored.

However, I don't believe it's valid enough to say that Braun definitely took PEDs.

Braun's Character Is Not Consistent to Previous Positive Tests

In previous tests, the character of the players that were involved were less than stellar.

Barry Bonds never failed a PED test, but had been listed in the Balco Trial. As Bonds made his assault on the home run record, it was revealed that Bonds had his own personal corner of the clubhouse and really made the San Francisco Giants more about himself than anyone else.

Manny Ramirez lived by the mantra of "Manny Being Manny." His aloof character made it seem like he really didn't want to work hard...ever. The use of PEDs would take the effort variable out of the equation for him, and he could still be successful.

Alex Rodriguez is the third case study involved. While A-Rod had shown flashes of being less than friendly with some of his peers, his reasoning for taking PEDs was understandable. However, his cries fell on deaf ears because of the amount of money he had demanded, not only of the Texas Rangers, but the New York Yankees as well, when he ventured into free agency. It makes Rodriguez seem like he has an ego problem.

Braun, meanwhile, is someone that baseball fans can enjoy. His stance after Jose Reyes sat on his batting title was refreshing to hear. Braun also called a Brewer fan who decided to propose to him on a sign at Miller Park with her actual phone number on there. After the genius received numerous text messages and prank calls, Braun heard about the incident and tried to leave a message for her.

Needless to say, Braun has the character of a guy who wouldn't try and cheat the game.

Braun's Numbers Came While Hitting in Front of Prince Fielder

While Braun has put up impressive numbers, it can also be assumed that he had some help from his friends.

Batting behind Braun in the Brewers lineup was Prince Fielder. Fielder has put together a 50 home run season in his career, and most pitchers don't like to face him with guys on base. As a result of this, Braun was fed a good diet of fastballs.

A quality major league hitter like Braun should be able to deposit a fastball over the fence no matter where it is. While it's not the only reason for Braun's success, Fielder's presence has had it's impact on Ryan Braun's career.

Braun Taking PEDs Is Not a Believable Story

In the other three case studies I used, there really wasn't a huge amount of shock when it was announced they had used performance enhancing drugs.

Bonds, Rodriguez and Ramirez each had a logical reason as to why it happened. Bonds and Ramirez because of ego, and Rodriguez because of pressure to match giant expectations.

With Braun, there seems to be none of that. As mentioned in the previous slide, Braun doesn't seem like a guy who has an ego. Instead, Braun seems like a guy who would make every attempt to try not to screw the game and the Brewers over by taking an illegal substance.

There's a reason why most people's jaws hit the ground when the news of Braun broke. It's just simply too far-fetched to seem true.

Why Would Ryan Braun Risk His Legacy for Short-Term Gain

Baseball is all about legacies. As little kids, most baseball fans sit around their grandpa listening to stories about how he saw Mickey Mantle play. While some stories are etched in stone for good reasons, others are etched for a different reason.

It raises the question that if Ryan Braun had the entire Milwaukee Brewer franchise eating out of his hand, why would he risk it to have one or two good seasons.

We already know that Braun is a good hitter that doesn't need PEDs to help the Brewers out. He seems like a good teammate and a clubhouse leader as well. Even the fanbase in Milwaukee was about ready to turn their full devotion to him in the likely event that Prince Fielder left for greener pastures.

The bottom line is that it just wouldn't make sense for a guy like Braun, who has everything going his way before a supposed PED test, to do something that would damage his legacy.

Again, it's a good thing to mention that the public knows nothing about how this situation and the appeal process will play out. If Braun is cleared, it's a great thing for baseball, as they have one of their brightest stars back on track. However, if Braun is found to be guilty, it will be a very sad day for the Brewers organization, as well as Major League Baseball.