Ryan Braun accepts 65-game suspension from MLB

Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday accepted a 65-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy, becoming the first of what could be more than a dozen players suspended in the wake of the Biogenesis investigation.

Braun, the 2011 National League most valuable player, accepted a negotiated deal in which he would be suspended for the rest of the season, effective immediately.

Braun successfully appealed a suspension last year, so the evidence apparently was overwhelming enough here for him to agree to a deal -- a bad sign for Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and other players deciding whether to appeal a potential suspension. Michael Weiner, executive director of the players’ union, said last week he would encourage players who deserved suspension to take the best possible deal rather than appeal.

“I am deeply gratified to see Ryan taking this bold step,” Weiner said in a statement. “It vindicates the rights of all players under the Joint Drug Program.”

Braun’s statement follows:

“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.”

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