Reaction over Ryan Braun's apology Thursday night was fast and furious.
The Milwaukee Brewers outfielder released a 943-word statement of apology, using a letter to express his remorse, rather than talking to anyone face-to-face.
The fact that he didn't hold a press conference drew criticism on various sports talk radio stations. On ESPN radio, fans expressed disgust over the appearance that he was hiding behind his letter and refusing to let anyone ask questions.
USA TODAY Sports posted tweets from several noted athletes and members of the media, lashing out at Braun and his statement.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz tweeted:
"When Braun says he's 'beyond embarrassed' he really means he's embarrassed he got caught. Just own it bro."
Former Major League Baseball pitcher C.J. Nitkowski tweeted:
"Made it to the 4th paragraph before the BS meter went off. 'Nagging injury?' .... 'products?'....'mistake?'....#uncle"
From CNN/Turner Sports' Rachel Nichols:
"Wondering if Ryan Braun intends to tape a copy of that statement onto the 2011 NL MVP trophy & mail it to Matt Kemp"
Reaction from current baseball pitcher Homer Bailey of the Cincinnati Reds was equally critical.
"I don't really care what he has to say," Bailey told the Dayton Daily News last weekend. "Who cares? Why would we believe what he says? Once a liar always a liar.
"If he wanted to lie to the fans and the media, I couldn't care less. But when you lie to your teammates like Braun did, to your staff, to ownership, people who have backed you the whole way, now you're in bad territory."
Although Braun is being accused of taking the easy way out by releasing a statement, it did start off sounding proper.
"It is important that people understand that I did not share details of what happened with anyone until recently. My family, my teammates, the Brewers organization, my friends, agents and advisors had no knowledge of these facts, and no one should be blamed but me. Those who put their necks out for me have been embarrassed by my behavior. I don't have the words to express how sorry I am for that."
But then he blames a "nagging injury" that led him to use "for a short period of time."
Braun doesn't discuss the Biogenesis scandal or the fact that he basically was caught twice, so that "short period of time" could very well be going on for two years."
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