Ryan Braun Suspended for 65 Games in Connection with Biogenesis PED Drug Scandal
Major League outfielder and former MVP Ryan Braun will be suspended for the rest of the season effective today, after admitting involvement in the Biogenesis PED lab.
The Milwaukee Brewers flagship player will miss the remaining 65 games of the season in an effort for the MLB to clean up baseball from its on going battle with steroids and performance enhancing drugs.
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," said Braun in a statement through the MLB. "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
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Although he is not the first person to be suspended for PED's, he is the first to be found guilty of association with Biogenesis. Other high profile names on that list are Alex Rodriguez, Bartolo Colon, Nelson Cruz, and Melky Cabrera along with up 80 other names, reports USA Today.
"I am deeply gratified to see Ryan taking this bold step," said Mike Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association said to USA Today. "It vindicates the rights of all players under the Joint Drug Program. It is good for the game that Ryan will return soon to continue his great work both on and off the field."
This is not the first time the slugger's name has been associated with banned substances. The year he won the MVP in 2011, a urine sample was found containing elevated levels of testosterone. However, the case was thrown out because of improper handling of the urine sample, making him the first player to beat the system.
Just a few weeks ago it was reported that Braun had nothing to say to investigators about Biogenesis and was overall uncooperative. He changed his tune eventually and met with investigators after his June 29 self-dismissal of charges because the evidence was overwhelming according to Bleacher Report.
"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," he continued through the statement he made with the MLB.
Next up on the list of big time suspensions is New York Yankees third basemen, Alex Rodriguez who has been in the minor leagues for two weeks playing rehab games after hip surgery kept him out the whole season.
He was supposed to return to the Yankee pinstripes yesterday, but was suddenly ailed with a low level quad injury. Many suspect the injury is to buy time for the Yankees and Rodriguez as they await his suspension.
