Last time Ryan Braun's name popped up in steroid allegations, the Brewers first baseman stuck his chest out and defiantly proclaimed his innocence after getting the positive sample delivered by MLB tester Dino Laurenzi Jr. nullified on a technicality. It was the type of arrogance that made O.J.'s If I Did It Book memoir seem humble in comparison. Late Monday afternoon, MLB sent a message to Braun by making him the first player suspended as a result of overwhelming evidence personally delivered to them by Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch.
MLB didn't need a positive test. The MLBPA already abandoned him last week after head of the union, Michael Weiner told The Daily News that they were uninterested in protecting steroid users. MLB wasted no time taking swift action.
In a joint statement released in conjunction with Major League Baseball, Braun pushed the bravado aside, finally came clean and appeared resigned to his fate.
Via ESPN:
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," Braun said in the 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."
Dino Laurenzi Jr. is still waiting for his apology though.
BREAKING: Ryan Braun suspended rest of the season for connection to Biogenesis.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 22, 2013
When he failed his test, Braun initially said he was the "victim of a flawed process." Also suggested drug collector had been out to get him
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 22, 2013
Braun also threatened to sue over initial reports that he was connected to Biogenesis.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 22, 2013
Source tells OTL Braun was first player MLB was building a case against. A-Rod last. Initially decision was to announce all at once.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 22, 2013
Sources tell OTL MLB confronted Braun with volumes of evidence provided by Tony Bosch, including texts.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 22, 2013
