AKERMANIS APOLOGY TO BRAUN (LINK)
April 26th 2008 02:03
Western Bulldogs star Jason Akermanis has apologised to West Coas Eagle Michael Braun for wrongly accusing him of taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Akermanis claimed in an article published last year by News Limited that Braun had been involved in using illicit drugs because he "ran like Superman" during a match several years ago whilst Aker played for Brisbane. He did not personally name the player, but the Seven Network and Fairfax Radio Media hinted that it was Braun.
Braun steadfastly denied these allegations, and was later cleared by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authoirty (ASADA) of any wrong-doing.
The Eagle midfielder seeked compensation from both media outlets for tarnishing his reputation, and last week, Braun received $60,000 as reported by the Nine Network.
"I (Akermanis) apologise to him (Braun) without any reservations," Akermanis said, "I am truly sorry for the hurt and trouble I have caused him. I just hope one day he can forgive me for the trouble I have caused.
"Last year, I talked about a situation which, for me, was old news but relevant with my thoughts at the time. I talked about my suspicions of a player using something that was illegal.
"In the end, it was ugly for everyone. Braun is branded, I am labelled a dobber and the media let some good people down.
"This time egg is on my face and I can live with that."
Akermanis claimed in an article published last year by News Limited that Braun had been involved in using illicit drugs because he "ran like Superman" during a match several years ago whilst Aker played for Brisbane. He did not personally name the player, but the Seven Network and Fairfax Radio Media hinted that it was Braun.
Braun steadfastly denied these allegations, and was later cleared by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authoirty (ASADA) of any wrong-doing.
The Eagle midfielder seeked compensation from both media outlets for tarnishing his reputation, and last week, Braun received $60,000 as reported by the Nine Network.
"I (Akermanis) apologise to him (Braun) without any reservations," Akermanis said, "I am truly sorry for the hurt and trouble I have caused him. I just hope one day he can forgive me for the trouble I have caused.
"Last year, I talked about a situation which, for me, was old news but relevant with my thoughts at the time. I talked about my suspicions of a player using something that was illegal.
"In the end, it was ugly for everyone. Braun is branded, I am labelled a dobber and the media let some good people down.
"This time egg is on my face and I can live with that."
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