This reports is courtesy of USA Today:

Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League Most Valuable player and the cornerstone of the Milwaukee Brewers' franchise, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension to begin 2012, a blow for the Brewers and a sport that seemed to put the worst of its steroid era behind it.

Braun, however, plans a vigorous defense of the positive test. He will appeal the suspension and on Saturday night told USA TODAY of the result: "It's B.S."

ESPN first reported that Braun had tested positive, and that he'd provided a urine sample during the 2011 playoffs, then was informed of the positive result in late October. A source told ESPN the positive result came about from elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system, and a subsequent test revealed the testosterone was synthetic.

Braun, 28, who was aware of ESPN's forthcoming report, issued a statement to the network via a spokesperson:

"There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."