Reviewing the Brew Round-table: Ryan Braun going forward

Last week, Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder Ryan Braun talked publicly about his suspension this past season, yet to some people the apology was still not accepted.

The question to the staff this week was, “Based on his speech last week, what do you make of Ryan Braun now as opposed to this past July?”

Ryan Braun was suspended back in July for admitted PED usage. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Schultz:

“It’s obvious Ryan Braun does not learn from his mistakes. He thinks that avoiding the issue will make it go away, but that is rarely how it goes. I’m done expecting him to own up and give us details – it’ll never happen. My respect for Braun has been gone for awhile but his latest press conference diminished it even more.”

David Grant:

“Last week’s statement doesn’t change my perception of Ryan Braun, mostly because I moved on moments after he accepted his suspension last season. At the time, I felt more disappointed in myself for being naive, thinking there was a chance he didn’t cheat. I do not believe Braun is sorry he cheated; however, I do believe he is sorry he let down his fans and the city of Milwaukee. To me, this is more important. Baseball has a rich history of cheating and in some ways, I have come to accept this. I believe Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Roger Clemens should all be in the Hall of Fame. Yes, possibly even Ryan Braun, someday. Just don’t let Alex Rodriguez in, regardless of whether he is guilty of cheating, he is annoying.”

Ryan Connor:

“I just don’t really care anymore. I don’t think he was a user in the way a McGwire or Bonds was (and I don’t care about that era either). He tested positive once, didn’t show any sort of physical growth, and he served his punishment. He’s the star player on my favorite team, and as long as he produces I will be happy to have him on the team. He lied to us, yes. He’s not a family friend, and his purpose to me is to perform for a team that I love to watch, and he does that extremely well. Therefore, I will continue to have a favorable opinion of him as a baseball player, which causes that to be my opinion of him as a whole. Of course, this is coming from the guy who believes Bonds, Clemens, and A-Rod should make the Hall of Fame.”

Benjamin Orr:

“Braun absolutely trashed a lot of respect he had gathered throughout the years as one of the Brewers’ biggest superstars since the days of Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. Yeah, Braun made a huge mistake that many people despise him for and I get that. Do I think it’s fair? Yes and no. I think fans who are angry with Braun are justified to a degree, but it’s time that we move on as a whole from this situation. Yeah he lied and yeah he used a banned substance, but there’s nothing you or I can do about it now. It’s time to let what happened in the past go and move on with our lives. Braun is still a liar and a cheat, but he’s human just like the rest of us, so let’s move on with this situation.”

That’s what we had to say regarding the Braun situation, how about you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.