"It was a huge mistake for which I am deeply ashamed" - When Ryan Braun opened up about his PED use during his NL MVP season
Ryan Braun was a star for the Milwaukee Brewers. He played with them for the entirety of his 14-year career in the big leagues from 2007 to 2020, racking up tons of awards and accomplishments.
He was the NL Rookie of the Year, NL MVP in 2011 and a six-time All-Star, just to name a few. However, his career did not come without some controversy.
Braun tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs late into the 2011 season. He maintained his innocence for a bit before he made a public apology, via ESPN per the Associated Press.
"It was a huge mistake for which I am deeply ashamed, and I compounded the situation by not admitting my mistake immediately," Braun said.
Braun was then suspended for the rest of the 2013 season, totaling 65 games. He began to serve his suspension immediately, trying to get back in everyone's good graces.
"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," Braun said.
In 2014, Braun was back on the diamond, and in a new position. The Brewers traded right fielder Norichika Aoki to the Kansas City Royals, and Braun took over in right field.
Ryan Braun knew what he did was wrong
While calling the accusations a mistake at first, Ryan Braun was quick to confess his wrongdoing. When the league investigated him, it did not provide evidence, but it was not needed.
"I was never presented with baseball's evidence against me, but I didn't need to be, because I knew what I had done," Braun said.
However, not everybody was impressed with how Braun handled things. Max Scherzer was one of the outspoken players to speak his mind on the controversy.
"To me, it doesn't really matter what they say. Let's lay down the penalties and move on. I hope they continue to catch him," Scherzer said.
Braun was not the only player to be hit for involvement in PEDs. Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera were all handed suspensions while A-Rod appealed his.
The PED accusation was a big hit to Braun's legacy. However, he was recently inducted into the club's Walk of Fame in January.