The disclaimer with every Ryan Braun story should be clear: He hasn't actually been suspended or officially accused of anything just yet. All of this news is based on a report that was based on a leak. So it would probably make sense for Braun to get suspended first before confirming that he'll have to serve said suspension.
But it's less of a rumor that might or might not come true, and more of a horribly kept secret. And according to an MLB official to whom Tom Hadricourt spoke, there isn't much of a chance that Braun escapes suspension for his failed performance-enhancing drug test:
But, here's the thing. An MLB official told me there are only two ways for Braun to win his appeal: Prove there was a lab error with the testing or say the Brewers signed off on the treatment.
I was told to forget proving a lab error because the system is designed to prevent such an occurrence ...
The MLB official also told me that the Brewers did not sign off on whatever substance Braun took.
Braun hasn't been suspended just yet, but he likely will be. And when he is, the National League MVP isn't likely to escape punishment without a more convincing argument than what's been suggested so far.