FOX6 News speaks with father of Braun's sample collector, Dino Laurenzi

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Suspended Brewers left-fielder Ryan Braun on Thursday, August 22nd released an official apology, and a letter to fans, following his 65-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy. One of the key figures in the Braun cheating scandal is the drug test collector from Kenosha: Dino Laurenzi Jr. Braun mentions Laurenzi by name in his apology.

Laurenzi is the so-called "sample collector" who was thrust into the spotlight after Braun's drug test came back positive in 2011.

When questions about whether the sample was handled properly, Laurenzi also caught a lot of flack from fans, and from Braun himself.

"There were a lot of things we learned about the collector, about the collection process, about the way the entire thing worked that made us very concerned, very suspicious about what actually happened," Braun said.

Despite the positive test, Braun had escaped league punishment because an arbitration panel found Laurenzi didn't follow the required chain of custody.

"How difficult would it be to tamper with somebody's sample?" Braun said.

Braun publicly questioned Laurenzi's integrity -- and now, he's apologizing.

Laurenzi could not be reached for comment Thursday, but FOX6 News spoke with his father, Dino Laurenzi Sr. in Kenosha, shortly after the apology was issued.

"He hasn't called me back, so I don't know where he's at. He travels a lot. He does TRX. He's an instructor. I haven't talked to him since this all transpired," Laurenzi Sr. said.

Braun issued a two-page statement with just one line addressing Laurenzi, writing: "I sincerely apologize to everyone involved in the arbitration process, including the collector, Dino Laurenzi Jr."

"I got no comment. I'd have to refer that to my son. If (the apology is) sincere, I'm sure it'd be enough for me," Dino Laurenzi Sr. said.

The Laurenzi's, just like many Brewers fans, are still waiting to hear an apology come from Braun's mouth.