Major League Baseball (MLB) announced early Monday evening that Milwaukee Brewer, Outfielder Ryan Braun will be suspended for the remainder of the season without pay. The 65 game suspension comes on the heels of the Biogenesis scandal and Commissioner Bud Selig hinting that suspensions to players involved were in the works. According to John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman during today's Yankees game broadcast, the suspension is broken into two parts, a 50 game suspension as a first-time violator of the league's policy and a 15 game suspension for lying about banned substance use. Braun will not appeal the suspension and begin serving the suspension immediately. Due to the suspension, he will forgo $3.25 million for the remainder of the season
Signs of Trouble
Braun's name became associated with steroids on October 19, 2011 after winning his first and only NL MVP award over Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder Matt Kemp. He tested positive for a high testosterone level, and in accordance with MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, MLB sought to suspend Braun for 50 games. Many fans at the time were already riled and believed that Kemp was more deserving of the award than Braun. Though Braun was able to retain the award, he fought the allegations of performance enhancement drugs and a panel ruled 2-1 that Braun was falsely accused, clearing his name and overturning the initial verdict. However, questions marks would linger in the minds of fans of whether he was truly clean. Once a player is associated with steroids, it is hard to disconnect from one's image, which is why players who played clean and never had their names associated are greatly appreciated, such as Ken Griffey Jr.
Biogenesis Scandal
When the Biogenesis Scandal inititally came to light, many prominent names such as Alex Rodriguez, Braun, Nelson Cruz and Bartolo Colon were associated. Many players claimed their innocence and vowed to fight or chose to remain quiet. Selig had come forth during the investigation that in the light of this recent scandal, the league sought to suspend players whose names were associated. Throughout the investigation of the scandal, Braun has kept his silence and has not cooperated, raising concerns for many faithful fans that he indeed was guilty and it was only a matter of time before the truth came to light. Braun had spent extended stints on the Disabled List and only played in 59 games for the Brewers this season before MLB issued the suspension today.
Braun issued the following statement regarding his suspension:
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. 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 is currently in the 5th year of a 12 year contract that owes him over $140 million dollars even after the pay forgone as a result of the suspension. He is a career .312/.374/.564 hitter with 211 home runs and 681 RBI, and a five-time All Star, the 2007 Rookie of the Year, the 2011 NL MVP and a five-time Silver Slugger Award recipient.
For further reading here are the links to the story by MLB.com and ESPN.com.
