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2011 MVP Ryan Braun Suspended For Rest Of Season For PED Use

NEW YORK (CBSLA.com/AP) — Former National League MVP Ryan Braun has been suspended without pay for the rest of the season and the postseason.

The suspension appears to be the first of a series of suspensions resulting from baseball's investigation of a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced the penalty Monday, citing Braun, for multiple "violations" of baseball's drug program and labor contract.

"We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions," MLB executive Vice President of economics and league affairs Rob Manfred said in a statement. "We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to resolve this matter. When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field."

Braun released a statement through MLB:

"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."

Braun won the 2011, with Dodger's center fielder Matt Kemp coming in a controversial second.

Kemp had previously stated that, should Braun lose the 2011 MVP, he would not want it to be handed to him.

The Milwaukee Brewers star will miss at least 65 games.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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