Ryan Braun addresses media about PEDs

[Outlaw]

Appearances are Everything. Saw the headlines this morning and thought he might have come clean. Although he sounds remorseful and tries to come across as sincere, he doesn't get that until he truly comes clean, he'll be asked the same questions forever. Reading his answers, he sounds well prepared and will not mention the word PEDS. It is as if he still thinks he can protect his name and legacy for the future. As far as a conversation in the future about the HOF, all it will ever be is why he will never get consideration, even if he hit 500 more HR's from this point on. Its funny about these PEDS users, they can never admit the details of their use, none of them, ever.

As for baseball, there have been reports that he physically appears much smaller than anyone can remember him and in looking at the recent pictures he sure does look small/normal. Now we'll all get to see just how good he is? My gut reaction, if he can handle the pressure of playing with not having PEDS assisting him, he might be a 15-20 HR guy, average across all statistical measurements at best.

The questions that were not asked and the answers that were not given:

When did you first start using Peds?
What types of PEDS did you use?
How often did you use PEDS?
Did you actually fail the Test?
How did you avoid other Tests?
Did you use PEDs during your MVP year od 2011?

I do respect him meeting with the test collector, and obviously apologizing to him and his family.

Transcript: Ryan Braun addresses media about PEDs

On a chilly Wednesday morning, and for the first time since being suspended for 65 games by Major League Baseball, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun addressed the media.

Braun's appearance came at the end of his taking food donations outside Helfaer Field, in the shadow of Miller Park.

With temperatures hovering around 15 degrees and a brisk wind blowing, Braun stood in front of a bank of microphones and after an initial welcome opened the floor to questions.

With that, the media fired away.

Why did you lie?

"Obviously I’ve been through a lot and as I expressed in my statement that I felt was pretty lengthy and specific, I got into a lot of details at that point. I’m not really going to go into any further details. I’m deeply remorseful about what happened. I wish I had the ability to go back and change things and do things a lot differently, but unfortunately I can’t do that. All I can do is move on and try to do everything in my power to earn back peoples’ trust and respect and support. I don’t anticipate being able to earn back everybody’s support, but I certainly intend to do everything in my power to do that and I won’t stop trying."

What do you have to say to the kids who have looked up to you?

"I’ve always been incredibly appreciative of everybody’s support. I made a mistake – a huge mistake that has obviously been extremely difficult to deal with and will continue to be difficult to deal with. All I can say is in making mistakes, as I’ve stated previously, we all deal with adversity. We all deal with challenges in life. Any challenge you face, you have an opportunity to view as either an obstacle or as an opportunity to grow from, to learn from and to help other people avoid making that same mistake, and that’s what I intend to do."

What was worse in your opinion, using PEDs or lying about it after the fact?

"As I’ve stated, the goal for me is just being able to move forward. I’m not going to get into too many specifics about what happened other than saying I’m extremely remorseful. I wish that I could go back and change things but I don’t have that opportunity to do that, so I’m just going to do everything in my power to move forward."

Have you apologized to Dino Laurenzi, Jr., or made any payments to him?

"I have not made any payments to him. I’ve had some really productive and positive conversations with him. The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to have my fiancée Larisa and I over to their house for dinner last night, and we had some really good conversation. We’ve made amends and I think we’re both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us."

Have you had anything to say to Bud Selig?


"I did. I wrote Bud a letter. But other than that, I’m not really going to get into too many specifics."

Knowing you got away with a positive test, why did you have that news conference in Maryvale where you lied and essentially threw Laurenzi under the bus?

"I’m not really, again, going to get into too many specifics. I wish that I hadn’t done the press conference. It was a big mistake. I deeply regret having done it, and a lot of the things that I said that day. But again, all I can do is move forward, and in an effort to do that I’m not going to get into too many specifics. I really don’t think that it does anything too positive or productive for me, the team, the game of baseball or anybody else. And in an effort to move forward, I’m not going to discuss that subject."

What kind of response do you expect to receive from the fans on opening day?


"Everywhere I’ve been, people have been incredibly supportive and I’ve been incredibly appreciative of that. I don’t really know what to expect, but everybody has been extremely supportive and I really appreciate that."

Why have you waited so long to come forward and talk?

"I’ve actually been in town a few times. I don’t do the Twitter or Facebook or any of that stuff to alert anybody that I’m here. I think today was just kind of an opportunity that we understood there would be some media here, so I wanted the opportunity to speak to you guys. It wasn’t about waiting or anything like that. Like I said, I’ve been here a few times. I think this is the first time that everybody’s been aware that I’m here."

That’s understood. But when suspensions were handed out, other players spoke and had news conferences. You didn’t. Why did it take you this long to come forward?

"I think because it was an ongoing investigation I wasn’t allowed to say very much at that time. Basically based on what I had learned from both Major League Baseball and the Players Association it wasn’t in anybody’s best interest for me to make any statements at that time."

Did anything positive come out of this?

"I think there’s something positive that can come from everything. At all times I always try to see the good in everything. Things aren’t always good, but I do see the good in everything, and it’s an opportunity for me to use my experience and the mistakes that I’ve made to help other people avoid making the same mistakes. I certainly have plans to do everything in my power to turn this bad situation into a good thing, into a positive, and to help other people along the way making these mistakes."

Do you think you'll be elected to another All-Star team?

"I really haven’t thought about that kind stuff. My goal is always to go and be the best player that I can be. I’m not motivated by individual accolades. I certainly intend to go out there and be the same player that I’ve been. Hopefully I continue to get better, and if that opportunity presents itself it’d be great. But I guess my whole focus is just on doing everything I can to come back next year and be a great player."

Is the Hall of Fame out of the question?

"I haven't even thought that far ahead, and I think it's almost disrespectful to even discuss the Hall of Fame. I've only played in the league for less than seven years. At some point down the line we can have that conversation, but I don't thing we can even have that conversation now."

What was the injury that you referred to in the statement?

"Again, I'm not going to get into the specifics and continue to go backward. I'm moving forward and I'm not going to get into too many specifics on that."

Don't you think you owe everybody to talk about the specifics?

"Yeah, I completely understand where you guys are coming from and a part of your job is to ask those questions, but I hope that you guys can understand and respect that in an effort to move forward that I'm just not going to continue to discuss that stuff."

What did you think of the response from fellow MLB players and Aaron Rodgers?

"I actually haven't really read, paid attention or watched anything. But I understand people being disappointed, people being upset and people reacting emotionally. I don't fault anybody for being upset. I don't know specifically what many people said, but I don't fault anybody for being upset or disappointed."

What has this done to your relationship with Aaron Rodgers?

"I'm not going to get into our specific relationship other than to say that he had been a great friend of mine for a long time. He's a great person, and I hope he gets back on the field soon so he can help those guys win."

Will you be able to play at the same level as you were?

"Yeah, I think I will be better. I should be better."

What about the 2011 NL MVP award? Does this revelation invalidate that award?

"Like I said, I'm continuing to move forward. I think that's all I can do. I'm not going to go back and discuss the things that have happened in the past. In an effort to do that, I'm not going to discuss that."

The Brewers gave you that huge contract extension in 2011. Will you now take a pay cut?

"The Brewers have been incredibly supportive, the entire organization. My teammates, everyone has been incredibly supportive. I can't thank Mark Attanasio enough for his support. I fully intend to do everything in my power to be the best player and person that I can be moving forward."

Two years ago you said you thought the drug testing policy was fatally flawed. Do you still feel that way now?

"Like I said, I greatly regret having done that press conference at all. My opinion on a lot of those things has definitely changed."

What do you regret the most?

"Obviously the whole thing is a huge regret. It was a huge mistake. I wish that I hadn't done it. I wish I could go back and do a lot of things different. I don't think I could specifically pinpoint one thing that I regret more than anything else, I regret all of it. I wish I could go back and change it but I can't do that."

Has the Players Association supported you as much as you would like?

"Yeah, the Players association was definitely very supportive."

What do you think this has done to your reputation and stature around the game?

"I don't think about those things, I really don't. I'm getting married here soon. My focus is on that and doing everything that I can to come back next year to be the best player I can be."

You don't care about what people think of you in the game?

"I always care about what people think, but I only have control over so many things. I focus on the things that I can control and that's being the best person I can be, best player I can be and put myself in position to come back and have a great year."

Teams were apparently interested in trading for you, according to reports. General manager Doug Melvin said he has no plans to trade you. Would you welcome a fresh start or do you want to play here?

"Absolutely I want to stay here. I made the long-term commitment because the city has been amazing to me, the fans have been amazing to me, the organization has been incredibly supportive of me, and I fully intend to stay here. Obviously it's flattering that people would be interested. I actually had dinner with Doug Melvin, Ron and Mark Attanasio this week. I've seen Mark a lot, and I don't think there's any truth to those rumors. My goal and attention is to say here."

What would you say to Robin Yount?

"Robin and I have had a great relationship. I enjoy my conversations with him and I don't think that our relationship would change much."

Did you apologize to him?

"I look forward to seeing him. I think I'll definitely see him in spring training, I think he's out in Arizona quite often. I look forward to having some conversations with him."

How many games did you watch, and how hard was that during suspension?

"It was extremely challenging and not something I enjoyed in any way. I didn't watch many games. I think I paid attention to what was going on but aside from that I didn't really watch many games."

How do you think your relationship will be with your teammates?

"I think it will be great. I've been back here a couple of times since the suspension and everyone has been incredibly supportive. I don't anticipate any issues there."

What are your expectations with regard to fan reaction -- especially on the road?

"I don't think about things like that. I don't really have any expectations. I have dealt with it in the past and I'll do the best I can to be the best player I can be. We all deal with adversity, we all deal with distractions. There's always something going on. My focus will be on being the best player I can be."

Can you share more about your dinner with Dino Laurenzi, Jr.?

"I'm not going to get into too many details other than to say it was an incredible experience. It was extremely kind and gracious of them. They're really special people and I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to go to their house and have a conversation in person. I wish that I could change it. I wish that I hadn't said anything about him. I wish I knew more at the time I said what I said. But he was really a special person and his family was a special group of people."

What do you have to say to the fans?

"I've always been incredibly appreciative of everybody's support. I'd say I made a mistake and that all I can intend to do is find some positives to come from a difficult situation."

Do you have any opinion on the Alex Rodriguez situation?

"I try to stay away from all of that stuff. I don't really know the specifics of what's going on with him so I don't think it's fair to comment on the situation."

What can you say about your restaurants closing and your relationship with Rodgers?

"Obviously, there's been a lot of fallout from everything I've been through. I've had a really good relationship with the SURG group, with Omar and Mikey. They're great guys. Our relationship will be changed but obviously in light of everything that's occurred, there's definitely fallout."

What do you say to kids about cheating?

"I hope that people recognize what I've been through and not want to go through this experience. It's been a lot. It's been really difficult, really challenging. I would never wish this situation on anybody. I hope people can view my situation as a learning experience and something they should try to avoid."

If you return and put up big numbers again, do you think you'll be accused of still using PEDs?

"I focus on the things I can control. I'm going to continue to try to be the best person I can be, the best player I can be. I fully intend to be at least as good as I've been to this point in my career. Hopefully, I can get better. But I only focus on the things I can control. I can't control what people say or think. This is my fault. I've taken full responsibility for my actions. I put myself in this position and people will have the opportunity to say whatever they want. I'll just focus on things I can control. I've been incredibly appreciate of everyone's support. The fans have been unbelievably supportive of me. I fully intend to do everything in my power to try to earn back their trust, their respect, their support. I don't think I will earn that back from every fan, but I will try."

How is your relationship with your fiancee?


"I think my relationships with all my friends and family have actually gotten stronger. I don't think it's been overly stressful. Dealing with the wedding has been far more stressful than this situation. So, we're doing well."

What do you think about potentially playing right field?

"Possibly. We've discussed it. I'm not opposed to it. I don't know exactly what's going to happen but it's definitely a possibility. 100%, I'll play wherever they want except third base. That didn't go well. But I'll do whatever we want. It's not something set in stone but it's something we've discussed."



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[fwicker]

Good post, thanks. FWIW I had seen him the last couple of years in spring training and always remarked how small he was (for the numbers he put up). He's obviously being coached not to talk about any specifics: 1). say your sorry, 2). say your moving on, 3). everyone is supportive 4). not focusing on things he cant control.

In the end, IMHO, it's all on MLB and the players union, do they want to control this or not? Do they care what kids think about this (or more importantly what they emulate), or about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Greg Ambrosius]

Ryan Braun is starting to get more love from NFBC owners in recent DC drafts. He was going 13th to 15th overall in early NFBC drafts, but he's gone 7th, 6th, 7th and 11th overall in our last four drafts. Will he be Top 10 or even Top 7 by March?

[KJ Duke]

Reading that interview, I don't like him anymore than I did at his "no steroid" press conference. Untrustworthy, selfish human being is what comes through. Still full of ****.

[jvetter]

I have Braun penciled in at 87 in my early rankings. Do you think he will drop that far?

[DOUGHBOYS]

I know my views aren't shared by everybody. But, I can totally understand a player cheating. We all hold ourselves up in high regard, thinking we would never cheat. And that's ok, we should have the self-confidence to say we would not be influenced.
I know a former minor league 2B who was approached by a coach. The coach told him if he didn't get stronger and quicker fast, he would not make it to the show. The implication was undeniable.
The ball was now in this kids court to decide to cheat and further pursue a life long dream or keep plugging away, knowing that others would probably pass him in making the other decision.

And once these players make that decision....
When to stop?
Or do they stop?
So far, they've beaten the tests. They've already cheated. So, they start asking themselves, 'Why should I stop?'

For me, the measure of the man is not that he cheated. The measure of the man is what happens after being caught.
Most children will deny until they're caught, then break down and cry out of shame.
The public wants to see that shame. A player does not have to cry to show shame. He has to be honest, forthright, and find himself accountable.
Several players have not done this. Bonds, ARod, Clemens, Palmeiro lost almost all respect in the public eye. They were defiant, instead of apologetic. They chose to find good lawyers or point fingers at Congress or continue to downplay or deny involvement.
They chose their road to destiny. Cheating can be accepted. Having the grace and the shame to admit the wrong, goes a long way in accepting a cheater.
When we see Andy Pettitte's name, we don't think cheater. We think of Pettitte toiling for the Yankees. He admitted his use and was ashamed.
When we see Clemens name, we think differently.

Braun is a different case. The measure of his humanity was already dictated by his press conference. That press conference left an indelible mark on the public. He can say anything now, and it won't change many folks perception of him.
He had his chance to do the right thing.
And he chose to lie.
He lied and hurt innocent people. And whether those people let him in their house or graciously accept an apology, the public, for the most part, won't.

Will he be the same on the field?
Nobody knows.
Melky Cabrera looked more like a real milkman than 'The Melkman' after his return. He broke down easily and is a shell of what he once was.
Braun, most assuredly coached by lawyers, will never let us know how long he has been taking PED's.
It could be since high school or college. It could be when he entered pro ball. We don't know.
I won't take him in drafts this year. I don't even have him listed. Not because of morals.
There is just too little information out there on the effects of stopping something that a body may be accustomed to over a long period of time. Not to mention the injuries that forced him to miss most of last year anyway.
Maybe, he'll continue using them, I don't know.
I just can't tie my star to a questionable star.

[Walla Walla]

Draft time comes and you'd draft Charles Manson if he could hit .300 with 40 homers and also was out of prison. Some would draft him even in prison betting the come on a pardon.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Draft time comes and you'd draft Charles Manson if he could hit .300 with 40 homers and also was out of prison. Some would draft him even in prison betting the come on a pardon.

Nah! If drafting Manson, I'd just be labeled a follower!

[fwicker]

Here in Northern California we had a young baseball player who faced the same situation as the 2B in Doughboys post above. He opted for the PEDs. They didn't have the desired effect (getting him to the majors). He committed suicide.

[Outlaw]

Bruan Started using his last 2 yrs at Miami. My guess is he used all along at various times. I wouldnt touch him in the 30th round and for most of the same reasons Dough stated. Why take the chance he puts up .260, 15, 65 and 65 with 5 SB's. Bruan is looking awful skinny these days, hope is bat speed is still the same for those that draft him.

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