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MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Braun ended his silence Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time since accepting a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseballs anti-drug agreement. Andre Tippett Patriots Jersey . Braun was taking part in a holiday food drive at Miller Park and said he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions but declined to offer specific answers to most questions. "The goal for me is just being able to move forward," Braun said. "I wish that I could go back and change things but I dont have that opportunity to do that, so Im just going to do everything in my power to move forward." Braun was the first star to be suspended as part of the doping scandal surrounding the now-closed Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic in Florida. The five-time All-Star tested positive for elevated testosterone in October of his 2011 NL MVP season, but his 50-game suspension was overturned when an arbitrator ruled the urine sample was mishandled. All along, Braun maintained his innocence and heavy criticism fell on the urine sample collector, Dino Laurenzi Jr. Braun said he reached out to Laurenzi and the two are moving forward. "I have not made any payments to him," Braun said. "Ive had some really productive and positive conversations with him. The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to have my fiancee Larisa and I over to their house for dinner last night, and we had some really good conversation. Weve made amends and I think were both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us." Braun had earlier called baseballs joint drug agreement, calling it "fatally flawed" and suggesting players are "100 per cent guilty until proven innocent." "We won because the truth is on my side," he said at the time. "I wish that I hadnt done the press conference," Braun said Wednesday. "It was a big mistake. I deeply regret having done it, and a lot of the things that I said that day." Braun has returned to Miller Park on a few occasions, personally called some Brewers season ticket holders and met with a local charity. Until Wednesday, he had not taken questions about the scandal. "Because it was an ongoing investigation I wasnt allowed to say very much at that time," Braun said. "Basically based on what I had learned from both Major League Baseball and the players association, it wasnt in anybodys best interest for me to make any statements at that time. It wasnt about waiting or anything like that. Ive been here a few times but I think this is the first time that everybodys been aware that Im here." In seven seasons, Braun established himself as one of the games brightest young stars and appeared in five consecutive All-Star games from 2008-12. He also became the face of the small-market Milwaukee franchise, earning a seven-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps him with the Brewers through the 2020 season. Owner Mark Attanasio said at one point that Braun would someday have a statue outside of Miller Park. When Braun was suspended, Attanasio expressed his disappointment but vowed that the organization would stand behind the player. Since the suspension, there has been speculation that the Brewers might trade Braun, including a report last week that the Mets were exploring a possible deal. Braun made it clear that he hopes to remain in Milwaukee. "Absolutely I want to stay here," Braun said. "I made the long-term commitment because the city has been amazing to me, the fans have been amazing to me, the organization has been incredibly supportive of me, and I fully intend to stay here. Its flattering that people would be interested. I actually had dinner with (general manager) Doug Melvin, (Brewers manager) Ron (Roenicke) and Mark Attanasio this week. Ive seen Mark a lot, and I dont think theres any truth to those rumours. My goal and attention is to say here." As for repairing relationships, Braun said he has sent commissioner Bud Selig a letter. He didnt get into specifics about his relationship with injured Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers, who expressed disappointment after Braun admitted to doping. "Im not going to get into our specific relationship other than to say that he had been a great friend of mine for a long time," he said. "Hes a great person, and I hope he gets back on the field soon so he can help those guys win." Dan Connolly Patriots Jersey . Oskars Melbardis of Latvia drove to the silver medal on Sunday, and 2010 champion Steven Holcomb of Park City, Utah, piloted USA-1 to bronze. The U.S. won seven sliding medals at the Sochi Games, more than any other nation. Irving Fryar Patriots Jersey . - Its a new game with a new team in a new city, but its just football for linebacker Aaron Maybin.VIERA, Fla. - The Washington Nationals filled the last clear-cut need on their roster on the opening day of spring training, acquiring catcher Jose Lobaton and two prospects from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday for pitcher Nathan Karns. Lobaton gives the Nationals insurance behind fellow Venezuelan Wilson Ramos, who has never played in more than 108 games in a season because of various injuries. "Hes a capable backup," general manager Mike Rizzo said, "in case something does happen with Wilson." Lobaton, 29, started 76 games for the Rays last season and batted .249 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. He was expendable because the Rays re-signed catcher Jose Molina and traded for Ryan Hanigan. Rizzo said Lobaton has above average metrics on defence. A notable exception is a 16 per cent success rate throwing out would-be base-stealers. "We feel that he throws well enough that he should be better than 16 per cent," Rizzo said. It speaks volumes about the Nationals confidence in their tallent-laden roster that a move for a backup can fill the last significant hole on the day that pitchers and catchers reported.Kyle Arrington Womens Jersey. Barring injury, Rizzo wont be shopping during spring training. "Theres not an obvious spot that we need to address," Rizzo said. "But, as we say, if an opportunity arises, well be aggressive and open-minded about it." The Nationals are giving up a top prospect in the 26-year-old right-hander Karns, who three made starts in his first taste of the major leagues last season, but theyre adding a pair of 22-year-olds from the Jays pool of talent: outfielder Drew Vettleson and left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero. Karns would have been in a crowded race for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The trade for a younger pitcher alleviates part of that logjam and helps the Nationals stagger their pitching prospects. To make room for the new players on the 40-man roster, Washington placed right-handed pitcher Erik Davis on the 60-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow. ' ' ' |
