MLB: Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun suspended for rest of season
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season.
Last Updated: 23/07/13 12:37am
The 29-year-old from Los Angeles has been punished for "violations of their Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program" and will not be paid.
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes," Braun said in a MLB statement. "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."
Braun will miss the final 65 games of the Brewers season as well as any play-off games.
In 61 games during the 2013 season, he has produced nine home runs and 38 runs batted in.
Rob Manfred of MLB added: "We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions. We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to resolve this matter.
"When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field."
