Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' outspoken support of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun's staunch denial of performance-enhancing drug use came back to bite him this week when Braun was suspended 65 games by Major League Baseball and admitted that he was a great deal less than truthful in those denials. Rodgers addressed Braun's suspension and his...

Josh Alper  wrote:

GREEN BAY — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was "shocked" by Ryan Braun's acceptance of a 65-game suspension from Major League Baseball, saying that the Milwaukee Brewers outfield looked him in the eye and lied to him "on multiple occasions" about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"I was shocked, I really was, just like many of you were," Rodgers told a throng of reporters at his locker after Friday's first practice of training camp. "I was backing up a friend who looked me in the eye on multiple occasions and repeatedly denied these allegations, said they weren't true.

"So, it is disappointing, not only for myself as a friend, but for obviously Wisconsin sports fans, Brewer fans, Major League Baseball fans. It doesn't feel great being lied to like that and I'm disappointed about the way it all went down."

Asked if Braun has reached out to him, Rodgers replied, "Yeah, I've talked to him."

Rodgers wouldn't address how the turn of events will affect their friendship or the Milwaukee-area restaurant 8-Twelve, which they are both involved with. However, he certainly didn't rule out the possibility of ending his business association with Braun

"That's yet to be determined yet," Rodgers replied. "I don't regret backing a friend up. Obviously, in hindsight, a more measured approach next time would obviously be the better course of action."

Rodgers, of course, was referring to his multiple posts to his Twitter account in February 2012, after Braun's 50-game suspension was overturned by an arbitrator. Rodgers Tweeted the hashtag #exonerated and also said he'd put his salary on his friend being clean. He also said ESPN and MLB were eating "crow" for going after Braun.

"People make mistakes. I definitely believe in forgiveness and moving forward. Obviously he has a tough task in front of him moving forward with his career on and off the field," Rodgers said of Braun. "As far as the business goes, right now, I'm focused on football, and I have people that can work with me on those type of issues."

"I was disappointed with the way it went down. I trusted him. And that's probably the thing that hurts the most."

Jason Wilde  wrote:

Originally Posted by: MintBaconDrivel 

Maybe it's because I don't have as many friends as the average starting quarterback has, but I don't think I'd say "he lied to me" in public about any of them. Even if/when I think they have. Friends don't say that sort of thing of friends in public, IMO. I don't care how much egg you think you have on your face for being his defender before.

IMO, however true you think a label, you don't call out your friends in public. Just because some media/Twitter jackwagon gets in your face isn't an excuse.

IMO you don't do it even if you consider the person an "ex-friend" because of his lies.

Bad you, Mr. Rodgers.

Originally Posted by: Wade 

See I see it the other way around.. my opinion, Braun hung not only Rodgers but his teammates, friends, organization, and family out to dry in this deal.

His speech in the desert in spring training last season left him with no wiggle room... he did not do it, and benefited from the support of many.

This is why I want to facts of how the Braun deal went down.. the when and how type information; because if Ryan knowingly accepted the support of all the above mentioned people while knowing that it all was a complete sham, then he has damaged a lot more than just his reputation.

Additionally, how he accepted the suspension without having to face the music instead of leaving on his team, teammates and friends is even more pathetic. He could have, as part of not challenging the appeal, asked that his lawyers (& MLB's legal team) forged more of a comment than the single one line that he released to take the burden upon himself... instead the burden is being felt by those defend him the most under his "mistakes".

Originally Posted by: Pack93z 

Maybe it's because I don't have as many friends as the average starting quarterback has, but I don't think I'd say "he lied to me" in public about any of them. Even if/when I think they have. Friends don't say that sort of thing of friends in public, IMO. I don't care how much egg you think you have on your face for being his defender before.

IMO, however true you think a label, you don't call out your friends in public. Just because some media/Twitter jackwagon gets in your face isn't an excuse.

IMO you don't do it even if you consider the person an "ex-friend" because of his lies.

Bad you, Mr. Rodgers.

Originally Posted by: Wade 

Maybe it's because I don't have as many friends as the average starting quarterback has, but I don't think I'd say "he lied to me" in public about any of them. Even if/when I think they have. Friends don't say that sort of thing of friends in public, IMO. I don't care how much egg you think you have on your face for being his defender before.

IMO, however true you think a label, you don't call out your friends in public. Just because some media/Twitter jackwagon gets in your face isn't an excuse.

IMO you don't do it even if you consider the person an "ex-friend" because of his lies.

Bad you, Mr. Rodgers.

Originally Posted by: Wade