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The first bomb has dropped in the fallout from the Biogenesis Clinic scandal. According to numerous reports, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers will be suspended 65 games, the remainder of the 2013 season. Braun had previously won an appeal for a positive drug test in which he got off on a technicality. This one will stick.
Via CBS's Mike Axisa, Braun admitted the wrongdoing and accepted this suspension:
As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," said Braun in a 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 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.”
More players could be subject to suspensions in the future, but it appears they got one of the big names they wanted to get. If Braun already worked out a deal, then perhaps others are doing the same or working on an appeal.
Braun will lose $3.78 million during the suspension, a good part of his $8.5 million salary this season.
I am sure we'll hear more. Stay tuned.
