Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League MVP, has been suspended by MLB for the remainder of the 2013 season, including the playoffs should the Milwaukee Brewers surge into contention, and Braun is not appealing the league's decision.
Braun's suspension was due to "violations of the Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program," according to MLB.
Braun released a statement in which he vaguely appears to admit guilt. "As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," Braun said. "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."
With the biggest fish fried, MLB is likely turning to the New York Yankees' tabloid king, Alex Rodriguez. According to a source familiar with MLB's investigations, A-Rod is set to receive a hefty ban, and is expected to try and work out a deal with the league.
"My understanding is he's trying to make a deal,'' the source said. "But I don't think it's going to happen [Monday]."
Rodriguez has yet to play this season; he was expected to return Monday night against the Texas Rangers, after completing a long rehab stint after offseason hip surgery. During his final rehab game, however, A-Rod strained his quadriceps and the Yankees shut him down for the next seven to ten days.
Now, conspiracy theories from earlier in the summer have returned in full force, as fans and writers believe Rodriguez's quad strain is simply too convenient. USA Today speculated that the Yankees are simply holding Rodriguez back until MLB has time to mete out its suspension, in order to prevent the circus of A-Rod coming back for a handful of games before being lost for the season.
On the flip side, The New York Daily News believes the situation to be the opposite; A-Rod is attempting to "prove" he's medically unfit to play, paving the way for a retirement and full collection of his massive contract.
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