NEW YORK (AP) ― Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun said he used the person who ran the Florida clinic under investigation by Major League Baseball only as a consultant on his drug suspension appeal last year.
“I have nothing to hide,” Braun said in a statement released by his representatives to the Associated Press on Tuesday night.
Earlier in the day, Yahoo Sports reported the 2011 NL MVP’s name showed up three times in records of the Biogenesis of America LLC clinic. Yahoo said no specific performance-enhancing drugs were listed next to his name.
The Miami New Times recently released clinic documents that purportedly linked Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Melky Cabrera and other players to purchases of banned drugs from the now-closed anti-aging center.
Braun said his name was in the Biogenesis records because of an issue over payment to Anthony Bosch, who ran the clinic near Miami.
“There was a dispute over compensation for Bosch’s work, which is why my lawyer and I are listed under ‘moneys owed’ and not on any other list,” Braun said.
“I have nothing to hide and have never had any other relationship with Bosch,” he said. “I will fully cooperate with any inquiry into this matter.”
On Tuesday, MLB officials asked the Miami New Times for the records the alternative newspaper obtained for its story.
Asked specifically about Braun’s name in the documents before the five-time All-Star released his statement, MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said: “Aware of report and are in the midst of an active investigation in South Florida.”