MLBPA releases statement on Braun By QMI Agency

Brewers slugger Ryan Braun is disputing positive drug test results through arbitration. (REUTERS/Jeff Haynes)

THE PUBLIC SHOULD WAIT FOR ALL THE FACTS TO COME IN BEFORE JUDGING RYAN BRAUN'S ALLEGED POSITIVE STEROID TEST, THE MLB PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION SAID IN A STATEMENT TUESDAY. - The public should wait for all the facts to come in before judging Ryan Braun's alleged positive steroid test, the MLB Players' Association said in a statement Tuesday.

"Our joint drug agreement is designed to protect a player from a rush to judgment before he can challenge a reported positive test result," union head Michael Weiner said. "Fairness dictates that Ryan Braun be treated no differently."

Braun claims he is innocent in the wake of a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. A hearing is scheduled for January.

A performance-enhancing drug triggered the failed test, ESPN.com reported Saturday. But Sunday a source told MLB.com that it wasn't a performance-enhancing drug that led to the violation.

"It was not a PED, drug or steroid of any kind," the source said. "And there has never been a result like this in the history of the (MLB drug-testing) program.