Arbitrator overturns Braun’s suspension

Baseball: National League MVP Ryan Braun’s 50-game suspension was overturned Thursday by baseball arbitrator Shyam Das, the first time a baseball player successfully challenged a drug-related penalty in a grievance.

The decision was announced Thursday by the Major League Baseball Players Association, one day before the 28-year-old outfielder was due to report to spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Braun’s urine tested positive in October for elevated testosterone, and ESPN revealed the positive test in December.

Braun (pictured above) has insisted that he did not violate baseball’s drug agreement.

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision,” he said in a statement. “It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.”

MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said management “vehemently disagrees” with Das’ decision.

Das, who has been baseball’s independent arbitrator since 2000, informed the sides of his decision, but did not give them a written opinion. He has 30 days to do so.

Associated Press

G-Prep girls set for Olympia

Girls basketball: The Spokesman- Review had a glaring omission in its boys and girls basketball regional advance story Thursday.

The article left out that the Gonzaga Prep girls (17-5) will face Olympia (10-14), the sixth seed from Districts 3 and 4, at 6 p.m. Saturday at Spokane Falls Community College.

G-Prep goes into regionals playing its best, coming off a District 8 4A championship in which the Bullpups knocked off No. 1-ranked Central Valley.

Greg Lee