Ryan Braun, the 2011 MVP of the National League, has been suspended without pay for the duration of the 2013 season as a result of failing the sport's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Braun did not contest the suspension and admitted to taking performance enhancing drugs in a statement.
"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," Braun said in the statement. "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."
He continued:
"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 - along with Alex Rodriguez and about a dozen other players - has been linked to Biogenesis, an anti-aging clinic in Florida with ties to PEDs.
He also tested positive for elevated testosterone levels in 2012, but successfully got his suspension overturned at that time due to a "chain of command issue."
"I am deeply gratified to see Ryan taking this bold step," MLBPA association executive director Michael Weiner said in a statement. "It vindicates the rights of all players under the Joint Drug Program. It is good for the game that Ryan will return soon to continue his great work both on and off the field."
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