Ryan Braun Suspended for Remainder of 2013 for Violating MLB’s Drug Policy

Major League Baseball announced today that they have suspended Ryan Braun for the rest of the 2013 season, without pay, for violating the league's drug policy. Braun is one of the highest profile names linked to Biogenesis, a Miami clinic currently being investigated for distributing performing enhancing drugs.

The Milwaukee Brewers outfielder was also suspended 50 games by MLB in 2011 after a positive test for performance enhancers in 2011, but that was later overturned on appeal. This time, Braun admitted to his use and will not file for an appeal. Instead, he issued this statement via Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

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 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 lose around $3.8 Million in salary with this suspension.

This is just the beginning in what could be a whirlwind of suspensions across the league in the next couple weeks. The New York Yankees third baseman  Alex Rodriguez has reportedly been informed he will also be facing a suspension due to his involvement with the Biogenesis case.

H/T: Bleacher Report