Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun had a 50-game suspension for failing a drug test overturned Thursday, marking the first time in the history of Major League Baseball that a drug-related penalty has been successfully challenged. Braun, who lives in Malibu and made the cover of the Jan./Feb. issue of The Malibu Times Magazine, tested positive in October for elevated levels of testosterone.
“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision,” Braun said in a statement. “It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.”
Major League Baseball and the players’ union announced the decision Thursday. MLB sources were reportedly incensed at the decision.
“While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today,” Rob Manfred, MLB’s vice president for labor relations, said Thursday.
Braun, 28, won the National League Most Valuable Player Award last season after batting .312 with 33 homers and 111 RBIs to lead the Brewers to the National League championship series.