As expected, Ryan Braun has issued a statement formally apologizing for and explaining his use of PEDs. Per Ken Rosenthal, here is a portion of that statement:
“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."
Without addressing reports that he called him an anti-Semitic Cubs fan, Braun also apologized to Dino Laurenzi Jr., the collector whose mishandling of Braun's urine sample led an arbitrator to throw out his suspension for a failed drug test early last year.
Braun also said he is "hopeful" he can "earn back the trust from those who I have disappointed and those who are willing to give me the opportunity."
The entirety of his statement can be read here.
Photo: Associated Press