Major League Baseball has gotten their guy. Former National League MVP Ryan Braun, who beat a 50-game steroid suspension last season on a technicality, has been banned for the rest of the season, according to reports.
In a statement released by MLB the league says his suspension is for "violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program."
The Brewers have 65 games left on their schedule, and Braun has said he will not appeal MLB's penalty in a lengthy statement of his own.
"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 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."
It has been a difficult year for Braun, who had the PED cloud hanging over him before the season began, and also battled a thumb injury that forced him out of action for about a month. He will finish the Brewers' underwhelming, lost season with a .298 batting average, nine home runs, 38 RBI, and just four stolen bases, while being caught five times.
There is no word yet on suspensions for any of the other players involved with Biogenesis clinic, including Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, Bartolo Colon, Melky Cabrera and Everth Cabrera, among others.
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