Brewers' Ryan Braun Accepts NL MVP Award Amid PED Controversy

Amid the dark cloud of the positive drug test result that leaked on Dec. 10, Ryan Braun accepted his controversial National League MVP award tonight at a Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) dinner in New York.

"I've chosen in life to view every challenge I've ever faced as an opportunity, and this will be no different," Braun said in his speech, according to USA Today. "I've always believed that a person's character is revealed through the way they deal with those moments of adversity.

"I've always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball. Everything I've done in my career has been done with that in mind. I want to take a moment to thank the players' association for supporting me throughout my career and especially for supporting me through the last couple months."

Braun won the award for hitting .332 with 33 home runs and 111 RBIs for the Brewers this season. He then tested positive for an elevated level of testosterone in a urine test in October, a result that leaked two months later.

The Milwaukee outfielder was given a 50-game suspension for the positive test. He appealed the ruling this week and is awaiting a verdict from the three-person appeals panel.