Braun says he is "deeply remorseful," wants to stay in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun spoke on Wednesday, November 27th for the first time since he was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Braun spoke outside Miller Park. He says he is "deeply remorseful" for the things he said and has done in relation to the use of performance-enhancing drugs and lying about that use.

"I made a mistake, a huge mistake, a mistake that has obviously been extremely difficult to deal with and will continue to be difficult to deal with," said Braun.

At a spring training news conference in February 2012, Braun attacked the character of Dino Laurenzi Jr., the man who collected his sample. On Wednesday, Braun indicated he has not made any payments to Laurenzi.

"The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to actually have my fiancée Larissa and I over  to their house for dinner last night and we had some really good conversation. We've made amends and I think we're both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us," said Braun.

Since his suspension, Braun has been in Milwaukee a few times. But he waited more than four months to speak. He says his teammates have been extremely supportive. Braun says he wishes he could go back and do a lot of things differently, but he can't -- so he plans to move forward. Braun says he will do what he can to earn back "people's trust, respect and support."

"I would never wish this situation upon anybody. I hope that people can view my situation as a learning experience and something they should try to avoid," said Braun.

When questioned about whether he would like to stay in Milwaukee or be traded to another team for a fresh start, Braun said he "absolutely" wants to stay in Milwaukee. He says the fans have been amazing to him -- and he fully intends to stay here.

Braun was at Miller Park on Wednesday morning to help raise awareness for Hunger Task Force -- and wish baseball fans a Happy Thanksgiving.