Ryan Braun is now suspended for 65 games after making a deal with the MLB regarding his connection to the Biogenesis clinic and now that the Brewers star has admitted to wrongdoing, should he be apologizing to Dino Laurenzi Jr., the handler of his urine test from over a year ago that tested positive?
Braun tested positive back in 2011 for testosterone and ended up overturning and winning his appeal for a 50 game suspension when it was found that a procedural issue came up with handler Dino Laurenzi Jr. and on top of that, Braun disparaged him and is reputation in public after announcing he was clean after the appeal. Braun won the MVP after that season after earning 388 points and 20 first-place votes, beating out Matt Kemp with to 332 and 10 and now the Dodgers star says he doesn't deserve the award.
Laurenzi said he followed procedure and after making his statements, Braun said that the collector had some issues and that the whole thing was suspicious. Now that Braun has agreed to the suspension, does he owe an apology? He may, and another one might be given to the Diamondbacks, as Braun his .500 in a series with the team in the playoffs as the Brewers won in five games. Braun said that there were issues about "things we learned about the collector" and now clearly that was false and Braun now can try and start over next season after the suspension.
Braun has been dealing with an injury and is having a so-so season, so he likely felt this was the best deal he was going to get and now he will lose out on about $3 million after the suspension is over, but he gets to keep his contract and likely will be welcomed back next season. Braun admitted mistakes and gave no specifics and now the next show to drop will be for A-Rod or someone like Nelson Cruz, who was also connected to the clinic.
"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 ... 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."
