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Braun image takes a hit after suspension
Braun image takes a hit after suspension
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The 2001 National League MVP admitted wrongdoing and apologized. Now, the reputation and endorsements of Ryan Braun are in serious jeopardy.
Braun's image and marketability has come into question even since he was linked to performance-enhancing drugs. Now that he's out for the rest of the 2013 season, companies may see Braun as a liability.
"You're trying to borrow imagery, positive imagery, heroism, that sort of thing and when that's gone, there's no value there. You don't want to buy into a negative," said Brian Bennett, owner of Stir Marketing in Milwaukee.
Several media outlets have already reported Kwik Trip was dropping Braun as its spokesman. As of Tuesday afternoon, all television and radio spots with Kwik Trip and the outfielder are gone.
"He'll be quiet for some time that would be my advice to him to be quiet. But at some point in time, probably a mea culpa is in order," said Bennett.
Bennett says Braun is not marketable now -- but time heals all wounds. He says the Brewers MVP will likely get endorsements back at local and regional levels. But nationally...
"That may take a while. And at his age, he may not be a relevant player when the healing is done," said Bennett.
Braun is a shareholder in two restaurants -- Ryan Braun's Graffito and 8-12 in Brookfield with Green Bay Packers MVP Aaron Rodgers. There is one more 8-12 restaurant on the way. A call to the restaurant group that is a partner with Braun was not returned.
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