Braun, Cleared on Appeal, Professes Innocence

Ryan Braun now says he never took anything.

In a polished half-hour appearance in front of a national news media throng, Braun denied that any banned substance entered his body, saying he was "100% certain" of that, and that he "literally did not gain a single pound. I didn't get 1% stronger. All of those things are documented."

Fair enough, and clearly there were flaws in the testing process. But back in January, Braun was polite but never professed his innocence. He made a cryptic statement about appreciating the support from the Players' Association.

“Sometimes in life we all deal with challenges we never expected to endure. We have an opportunity to look as those challenges and view them either as obstacles or opportunities. I’ve chosen to view every challenge I’ve ever faced as an opportunity and this will be no different. I’ve always believed that a person’s character is revealed through the way they deal with those moments of adversity.

“I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball. Everything I’ve done in my career has been done with that respect and appreciation in mind, and that is why I’m so grateful and humbled to accept this award tonight. Thank you again to everybody and I hope you guys enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Couldn't he have given the same speech, but added something like this? "I know I am innocent, and I believe history will bear me out." Why not do that?

Was he overcoached by a PR team? Quite possibly.

I don't mean to be a rude blogger, but ... I'm a rude blogger. And for the moment, a skeptical one.