After denying multiple times the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Ryan Braun is finally accepting what he did. The Milwaukee Brewers star and one-time MVP has accepted a suspension that will keep him out of 65 games. He will not be active for the remainder of the season, thus hurting Milwaukee's chances to really have much of a season left. As a result, the 29-year-old is personally calling up season-ticket holders and apologizing.
CBSSporrts.com is reporting Braun is calling fans one-by-one to apologize for using PEDs and for sitting out the remainder of the year. Certainly Braun is one of the biggest stars in Milwaukee and a fan-favorite player. Many come to the ballpark just to see him play and now that will not happen for the rest of the season.
The Brewers kicked off a series of fan appreciation initiatives to help keep team pride alive following the announcement of the suspension. They are handing out food and ticket vouchers to fans attending games. The personal calls from Braun are certainly a nice way to make amends for the drama he has caused in Milwaukee.
The left fielder recently admitted to the use of PEDs after he was linked to a lengthy MLB investigation. Braun has been accused of using once before, a claim that he adamantly denied. Now, Braun is beginning to going on the apologizing tour, saying he is "deeply ashamed" and has made a "serious mistake." Braun has yet to address the media since the suspension was handed down but the fallout continues to come.
On Thursday, SURG Restaurant Group, who Braun is affiliated with announced that they will cutting all ties with the baseball star. The group had a deal with Braun for an Italian restaurant named after him. They had once said it was an honor to work with him, but now they are ending the relationship.
"We've appreciated the relationship we had with Ryan over the last several years, and the entire SURG family wishes him success in the future," Michael Polaski, CEO and co-owner of SURG, said in a statement. "We look forward to the future with optimism, particularly with the opportunity to introduce and rebrand two, new exciting restaurant experiences."
This is just one of many deals that Braun has lost since the suspension. The Milwaukee star lost a deal with the Kwik Trip convenience stores and his shoe deal with Nike. In a statement released by Braun after the suspension, he said he was aware that he was losing his right to appeal any downfall that might come from the admission.
