By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Feb 07, 2013 at 1:29 PM Photography: David Bernacchi

Nearly a century ago a little boy looked at Shoeless Joe Jackson, who had been accused of being part of a conspiracy to fix the World Series, and said in a forlorn little voice, "Say it ain’t so, Joe. Say it ain’t so."

This summer, 94 years after Shoeless Joe, some young boy might look up and see his favorite player walk by and say, "Say it ain’t so, Ryan. Say it ain’t so."

For the second time in a year Ryan Braun’s name has been linked to the use of performance enhancing drugs. Braun, as special as he is, joins a long line of baseball players who have been involved in the use of illegal substances.

With each of them the story has been very similar. They deny. The hold news conferences and deny some more. They claim they are being persecuted. The get outraged at the persecution. They act like the world is out to get them. They create a house of cards to hide behind.

And for most of them, their house of cards eventually begins to fall apart. Ace by Jack by nine of clubs they are soon left with a truth that is uncomfortable and problematic for everyone.

Braun and his lawyers are out in front on this one. They claim they lawyers consulted with a sleazy operator of a pill factory during Braun’s battle against his 50-game suspension last year. The fact that an explanation like that strains credibility falls in line with the denials from the previous violators.

Braun has high powered, well financed lawyers and they don’t need to consult someone like this guy.

I’ve got kind of a sick feeling in my stomach about all this.

Say it ain’t so, Ryan. Prove it ain’t so.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.