Milwaukee Brewers outfielders Ryan Braun discussed “challenges” and “adversity” during his NL MVP acceptance speech at last night’s Baseball Writers Association of America awards banquet in Manhattan. He never specifically mentioned the drug testing controversy and looming suspension, but no one in their right mind expected him to do so. Here’s the money quote:

“Sometimes in life we all deal with challenges we never expected to endure. We have an opportunity to look at those challenges and view them either as obstacles or opportunities. I’ve chosen to view every challenge I’ve ever faced as an opportunity and this will be no different. I’ve always believed that a person’s character is revealed through the way they deal with those moments of adversity.”

Well said, and delivered flawlessly. Ryan Braun has a promising future in politics.

A two-day arbitration hearing regarding the possible 50-game suspension concluded this past Friday. The three-man panel has 25 days to render a verdict.

A transcript of the entire speech can be found here.