"Did Ryan Braun cheat to become the 2011 National League most valuable player or is he the innocent victim of a premature report?

That was the question being asked across the baseball world Saturday with the stunning news that the Milwaukee Brewers' star leftfielder tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faced a 50-game suspension, according to a report by ESPN's "Outside the Lines."

No one associated with Braun, Major League Baseball or the Brewers would comment publicly on the report because the positive test is being appealed through an arbitration process that is ongoing. It was unknown how long that process could take.

In a late-night text message, Braun said he wanted to hold a news conference to give his side of the story and the details of the entire situation but was advised not to while the appeal process is ongoing.

"I can't wait to get that opportunity," Braun said. "This is all B.S. I am completely innocent.""