MLB, Players Defend Drug Testing Program Again

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By RONALD BLUM
AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Baseball and its players' union defended their drug testing program Friday and promised to tighten collection procedures following criticism by anti-doping agencies of an arbitrator's decision to overturn NL MVP Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension.

At a news conference in Phoenix, where he reported to the Milwaukee Brewers for spring training, Braun criticized drug testing by baseball as "fatally flawed," citing the roughly 44-hour lag between when his urine was collected and when it was given to Federal Express for transport to a laboratory in Montreal. FULL STORY....

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Ryan Braun's 50-game Suspension Overturned / Braun Says The Truth Prevailed

National League MVP Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension was overturned Thursday by baseball arbitrator Shyam Das, the first time a baseball player successfully challenged a drug-related penalty in a grievance.



Saying his name has been "dragged through the mud," NL MVP Ryan Braun reported to spring training Friday and addressed the media a day after his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test was overturned by an arbitrator.

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In speaking, Ryan Braun Proud Of 'Integrity'

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By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- Addressing the media one day after he became the first Major Leaguer to successfully appeal a suspected violation of MLB's Drug Treatment and Prevention Program, Brewers star outfielder Ryan Braun said the ordeal has been the greatest challenge of his life.

Upon reporting to camp on Friday, Braun first thanked MLB Players Association executive director Michael Weiner, Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio and fans who withheld judgment throughout the process. He also emphasized that the positive test was not the result of a personal medical issue or sexually transmitted disease.

"I've tried to respect this process," Braun said. "I've tried to handle the entire situation with honor, with integrity, with class, dignity and professionalism, because that's who I am. MORE....

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