(Sports Network) - Former National League MVP Ryan Braun's name was present on a document belonging to Biogenesis of America founder Anthony Bosch, according to a report ESPN's "Outside the Lines" investigative program released on Friday.
ESPN revealed a handwritten note of Bosch, whose Miami-based anti-aging clinic is currently under investigation from Major League Baseball for suspicion of supplying players with performance-enhancing drugs. The document listed Braun as owing Bosch $1,500 for an unspecified service.
Alex Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera and New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli were also included on the note, with Rodriguez marked as having paid a $4,500 fee.
Braun acknowledged having a business relationship with Bosch, who was previously linked to Manny Ramirez when the star slugger was suspended by MLB for violating the league's drug policy in 2009, when the Milwaukee Brewers star was initially connected to Biogenesis in a story published by Yahoo! Sports last week. The All-Star outfielder said through a statement that his attorneys used Bosch as a consultant during Braun's successful appeal of a 50- game suspension for a positive PED test last spring.
When contacted by reporters at the Brewers' spring training complex in Arizona on Friday, Braun declined comment on the latest allegations.
"I understand why a lot of you guys are probably here, but I made a statement last week. I stand behind that statement," he said. "I'm not going to address that issue any further. As I stated, I'm happy to cooperate fully with any investigation into this matter. I respect the fact that all of you guys have a job to do. Part of that job includes asking me questions. I'm happy to answer any and all questions about baseball, spring training, the World Baseball Classic or anything else."
Three players -- Cabrera, pitcher Bartolo Colon and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal -- with known ties to Biogenesis have been suspended by MLB for PED use within the past year.
