The MLB has suspended Milwaukee Brewers‘ star Ryan Braun for the remainder of the season without pay according to multiple reports.
The reports go on to say that Braun was suspended for “violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.”
BREAKING: MLB announces Ryan Braun is suspended without pay for remainder of 2013 season.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 22, 2013
Braun announced that he will accept the 65 game suspension which is effective immediately. He also released a statement on this suspension, saying “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 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 tested positive for an increase of testosterone in 2011, but after appealing the suspension, it was dropped.
Braun, 29, has been battling injury this season, only playing 61 games. He was batting .298 with nine home runs, 38 RBI, and 14 doubles.
“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.”
This is a big blow to fantasy owners who have Braun in their leagues. Before this report, it was predicted that the suspension would happen later in the season, and due to the appeal process, the suspension wouldn’t be served until the next season. However, now that Braun has accepted the suspension which is starting today, he will have no value until next season.
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