Ryan Braun: 'When I am able to, I will speak'
Brewers OF Ryan Braun, who was recently slapped with a lengthy Biogenesis-related suspension, says he'll eventually break his silence.
More: What about Braun's MVP? | Bad luck on Braun memorabilia | Heyman: A-Rod probably next
Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was of course recently administered a 65-game suspension (longer in the highly unlikely event that the Brewers make the postseason) for his role in the still-unfolding Biogenesis scandal. When his punishment was first handed down, Braun's remarks were somewhat cryptic at best:
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it 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."
Quite free of specifics, as you surely noticed. Not surprisingly, that was for a reason. Here, courtesy of the Sporting News, are some additional brief comments from Braun, released through the Brewers, on his suspension and his ensuing near-silence:
"See Mark [Attanasio's] comments or reference what he said. When I am able to, I will speak. I know it was difficult for everybody, but I was not, and still am not, legally allowed to say anything yet."
While I roundly condemn Braun's prior dishonesty, this is both prudent of him and surely demanded of him by his legal advisors. Many would love more in the way of self-flagellation from Braun, but you're not going to get that until this fully plays out.
For reference, here are the comments of Attanasio, the Brewers' owner, that Braun invokes above:
"I think [Braun] has to get to the point where he can actually speak about this," Attanasio said. "Major League Baseball is in the midst of an ongoing investigation. He is obviously now cooperating with baseball. He is cooperating in such a way that he is going to let them conclude or get further into the investigation before he talks."
Again, this is the reality of the situation, and Braun's reticence, in that light, is understandable, even if his the actions that underpin that silence are not.
