Ryan Braun calls season-ticket holders to apologize for PED use

Ryan Braun has already given a public apology for his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Now the Milwaukee Brewers slugger is taking the personal route, calling season-ticket holders individually to apologize for the actions that led to his season-ending suspension.

“He was very humble on the phone,” Milwaukee bar owner and Brewers season-ticket holder Pat Guenther said after his conversation with Braun. “He wanted to reach out and for him to do this is an act of kindness. He wants the people of Wisconsin to support the Brewers and him.”

Guenther and Wes Aldridge, another season-ticket holder on the receiving end of one of Braun’s calls, thought it was a joke at first. But the Brewers have confirmed that it is, in fact, the 2011 National League MVP making the calls and that it was his idea to do so.

Once he realized who it was on the other end, Aldridge didn’t mince words, asking Braun simply why he used the PEDs. Aldridge said Braun told him he was talked into it by a friend and he regrets it.

Brewers executive Rick Schlesinger told WTMJ radio that most fans have been receptive to Braun’s apology. Guenther falls into that category.

“He said, I messed up, in a nutshell, I messed up. I just want to reach out and say I’m sorry,” Guenther said. “I cut him off right there. I said you know Ryan, I think you’re an amazing athlete and this speaks volumes to your character to reach out to a small-business owner like myself and let us know that you are going to do better.”

Guenther added: “Who hasn’t made a mistake? People move forward. I think that’s what Ryan is trying to do. He’s moving forward. He has no other option. Be better, help his ballclub win games and win the hearts of Brewers fans like he has for many, many years.”

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