Braun Apology

[Outlaw]

Braun Statement:

Only comment I have, is he did'nt tell what Drugs.. but that's becuase of the crimminal aspects...MLB Drug policy has drugs that can be obtained perfectly legally, but are against the MLB drug policy. To say creams and lozanges, rather than HGH and Steroids and such, well, Catch 22 for him... He leaves himself open to just how long did he use, he only cites one period. He should have said it was the only time ever if thats what he wants people to believe.



"Now that the initial MLB investigation is over, I want to apologize for my actions and provide a more specific account of what I did and why I deserved to be suspended. I have no one to blame but myself. I know that over the last year and a half I made some serious mistakes, both in the information I failed to share during my arbitration hearing and the comments I made to the press afterwards.

I have disappointed the people closest to me -- the ones who fought for me because they truly believed me all along. I kept the truth from everyone. For a long time, I was in denial and convinced myself that I had not done anything wrong.

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.

Here is what happened. During the latter part of the 2011 season, I was dealing with a nagging injury and I turned to products for a short period of time that I shouldn't have used. The products were a cream and a lozenge which I was told could help expedite my rehabilitation. It was a huge mistake for which I am deeply ashamed and I compounded the situation by not admitting my mistakes immediately.

I deeply regret many of the things I said at the press conference after the arbitrator's decision in February 2012. At that time, I still didn't want to believe that I had used a banned substance. I think a combination of feeling self righteous and having a lot of unjustified anger led me to react the way I did. I felt wronged and attacked, but looking back now, I was the one who was wrong. I am beyond embarrassed that I said what I thought I needed to say to defend my clouded vision of reality. I am just starting the process of trying to understand why I responded the way I did, which I continue to regret. There is no excuse for any of this.

For too long during this process, I convinced myself that I had not done anything wrong. After my interview with MLB in late June of this year, I came to the realization that it was time to come to grips with the truth. I was never presented with baseball's evidence against me, but I didn't need to be, because I knew what I had done. I realized the magnitude of my poor decisions and finally focused on dealing with the realities of-and the punishment for-my actions.

I requested a second meeting with Baseball to acknowledge my violation of the drug policy and to engage in discussions about appropriate punishment for my actions. By coming forward when I did and waiving my right to appeal any sanctions that were going to be imposed, I knew I was making the correct decision and taking the first step in the right direction. It was important to me to begin my suspension immediately to minimize the burden on everyone I had so negatively affected -- my teammates, the entire Brewers organization, the fans and all of MLB. There has been plenty of rumor and speculation about my situation, and I am aware that my admission may result in additional attacks and accusations from others.

I love the great game of baseball and I am very sorry for any damage done to the game. I have privately expressed my apologies to Commissioner Selig and Rob Manfred of MLB and to Michael Weiner and his staff at the Players' Association. I'm very grateful for the support I've received from them. I sincerely apologize to everybody involved in the arbitration process, including the collector, Dino Laurenzi, Jr. I feel terrible that I put my teammates in a position where they were asked some very difficult and uncomfortable questions. One of my primary goals is to make amends with them.

I understand it's a blessing and a tremendous honor to play this game at the Major League level. I also understand the intensity of the disappointment from teammates, fans, and other players. When it comes to both my actions and my words, I made some very serious mistakes and I can only ask for the forgiveness of everyone I let down. I will never make the same errors again and I intend to share the lessons I learned with others so they don't repeat my mistakes. Moving forward, I want to be part of the solution and no longer part of the problem.

I support baseball's Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program and the importance of cleaning up the game. What I did goes against everything I have always valued -- achieving through hard work and dedication, and being honest both on and off the field. I also understand that I will now have to work very, very hard to begin to earn back people's trust and support.I am dedicated to making amends and to earning back the trust of my teammates, the fans, the entire Brewers' organization, my sponsors, advisors and from MLB. I am hopeful that I can earn back the trust from those who I have disappointed and those who are willing to give me the opportunity. I am deeply sorry for my actions, and I apologize to everyone who has been adversely affected by them.

[Outlaw]

Beyond his statement of apology/guilt released Thursday night by suspended Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, he also sent a letter of apology to Brewers fans who receive emails from the club.

Here is that letter:

August 22, 2013

Letter to the fans of the Milwaukee Brewers:

I have always been very grateful for the privilege of playing baseball in the great city of Milwaukee. I am so sorry for letting you down by being in denial for so long and not telling the whole truth about what happened. I am ashamed and extremely embarrassed by the decisions I made. There are no excuses for what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to all Brewers fans for disappointing you.

I came forward because I knew it was time for me to tell the truth and accept my punishment. I understand I have abused your trust and that of our great owner Mark Attanasio and the entire Brewers organization. Admitting my mistakes and asking for your forgiveness are the first steps in what I know will be a lengthy process to prove myself to you again.

It is an honor to represent the people of Wisconsin by wearing a Brewers uniform. I want all of you to know how much I have appreciated the support I've received from so many of you throughout my years with the organization. I will continue to work on improving myself and making amends for what I have done. I am deeply sorry for my actions and I apologize to everyone I have let down. I am committed to doing everything I can to earn back your trust and support.

Sincerely,
Ryan Braun

[DOUGHBOYS]

'After my interview with MLB in late June of this year, I came to the realization that it was time to come to grips with the truth. I was never presented with baseball's evidence against me, but I didn't need to be, because I knew what I had done. I realized the magnitude of my poor decisions and finally focused on dealing with the realities of-and the punishment for-my actions.

I requested a second meeting with Baseball to acknowledge my violation of the drug policy and to engage in discussions about appropriate punishment for my actions. By coming forward when I did and waiving my right to appeal any sanctions that were going to be imposed, I knew I was making the correct decision and taking the first step in the right direction. It was important to me to begin my suspension immediately to minimize the burden on everyone I had so negatively affected -- my teammates, the entire Brewers organization, the fans and all of MLB. There has been plenty of rumor and speculation about my situation, and I am aware that my admission may result in additional attacks and accusations from others.'
..................................................................................................................................................

Blah, blah, blah.
The above part of his statement is where I have a big problem, factually. There were a lot of stories about how MLB had already gained momentum in their investigation far before June. I doubt that Braun ever 'came to grips with the truth'. Rather, he had to come to grips that the evidence was substantial and unavoidable.
He is trying to come off as humble, honest, and meek, but he still can't paint himself as 'caught', can he?
And, Mr. Braun, let's face it, you didn't start your suspension immediately because of the 'negativity affecting others', you started it immediately because of the 'redhandedness' and the deal MLB offered was best for....oh yes....... you, Ryan Braun.

I'm all for apologies after wronging folks. For me, this one comes off as a little stinky.
He minimizes usage by saying 'a lozenge and cream', as if ordering a hot dog from a street vendor.
It comes off as Braun wanting us to believe him. Not laying out the whole truth.
We've been down that road.
And speaking volumes was that this apology was not in front of cameras.
Knocking on the door's of Kemp and Tulo to try and get big star's to support him, even though he knew he was guilty is the work of a cunning and cold person.
Holding a press conference to basically thumb his nose at MLB and make life miserable for those that accused him was the work of somebody in need of tremendous psychological aid.
This apology comes off as no less calculating.
Braun's manipulation of people and facts come easy to him. He can apologize for taking a cream or lozenge. And some folks will take that apology and accept it. But, those two years of lying, and having folks lose jobs, and 'being upset' at his accusers will never be forgotten.
Some will think of Braun as less of a player for taking PEDS. I'll think of Braun as less of a man for what he did after.
And this blah, blah, blah of his, doesn't change that.

[Cocktails and Dreams]

Renegotiating his contract is the only apology that would mean much to me.

[Outlaw]

Renegotiating his contract is the only apology that would mean much to me.

Totally agree, he should have offered that up. But something like will never happen. Baseball should have demanded more from him or hit him harder. As some have said, MLB has handled certain aspects/PR of this mess wrong. Not only are Offensive Stats down the last few years, so is attendance, some estimate by 20% and TV ratings are absolutely imploding the past 2 years, Ive seen numbers that are approaching the NHL TV ratings. Not good signs, and the stench of this PEDS scandal is not going to help.

Braun makes more money in 1 year than the entire Astros roster, and I think a lot more teams are quickly moving to that type of financial model.

People I have known for years that like baseball are disgusted with MLB. They hardly watch, they don't go to games anymore, and the kids these days, literally no interest in it at all. LL participation continues to decline, local leagues keep cutting the amount of teams they have.

the other day I was outside and 2 kids about 12 ride by on bikes and one says to other one you want to go have a catch and the other kids says to him "baseball sucks".

To us fantasy players, we are core fans, but quite frankly there are no many left these days, when you look at the big picture.

[joshguy]

Baseball attendance is down but if you take out Miami and Philly(fair weather fans??), the numbers are about the same as 2012. Plus, hasnt it been a pretty crappy year weather wise in a lot of cities. Plus, look at the huge local TV deals teams are getting, I think the sport is doing fine.