Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 MLB season for his involvement in purchasing performance enhancing drugs from the Biogenesis clinic in Florida.
Braun admitted to using performance enhancing drugs, and violating baseball’s rules.
“As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect,” said Braun in a statement. “I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it is has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed – all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love.”
Braun becomes the first MLB player suspended in what has been a long investigation by Major League Baseball. It however may not be the last.
“We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions,” said Rob Manfred, Executive Vice President, Economics & League Affairs for Major League Baseball. “We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to resolve this matter. When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field.”
Braun tested positive for drug use following the 2011 season, but was not suspended after he won his appeal based on the fact that the chain of custody with his sample was broken by those in charge of doing the testing. Braun always maintained his innocence at that time, but things have obviously changed this time around.
Braun becomes the first MLB MVP winner suspended for violating baseball’s new PED policy.
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