Exclusive: Q&A With MLBPA, MLB Officials On Ryan Braun Suspension

Earlier today, Deadspin, seeking clarification on some of the issues surrounding the recent suspension of Ryan Braun for unspecified "violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," conducted a question-and-answer session via email with officials from the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball. A transcript follows, lightly edited for clarity.

Deadspin: After studying the press release and various media accounts, we're still a bit confused by the Braun situation.

The release indicated that Braun was suspended in part for violations of the Basic Agreement. That's different from the usual drug suspension release, which just cites the testing and treatment agreement. We were wondering which specific provision he violated.

MLBPA:

MLB, via a spokesman: I can't go into specifics beyond what yesterday's release said on the violations of the collective bargaining agreement and the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Do you need a copy of our Joint Drug Program?

Deadspin: We have a copy, but we're still perplexed. Can you at least point us to the section of the Basic Agreement that applies here?

MLB:

Deadspin: Okay, we're unclear on what authority MLB exercised in this suspension, and which of the various agreements between baseball and the union we'd turn to to find it spelled out.

MLBPA:

MLB:

Deadspin: Press reports suggest that Braun hasn't admitted to doping; we're curious whether that's accurate, and if so exactly what he was suspended for.

MLBPA:

MLB:

Deadspin: Thanks for your time, guys, really helpful.