NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers was shocked and disappointed when Ryan Braun admitted to violating baseball's rules against using performance-enhancing substances.
The Milwaukee Brewers slugger "looked at me in the eye on multiple occasions and repeatedly denied the allegations, said they weren't true," Rodgers told reporters.
Braun has been suspended by Major League Baseball for the remainder of the season.
The pair are friends, and a Milwaukee restaurant is named after the Wisconsin stars. Rodgers defended Braun on Twitter last year, saying he would bet his substantial salary that his friend was clean.
Rodgers said he was simply "backing up a friend" then and that they've spoken since Braun's admission.
"In hindsight, a more measured approach next time would obviously be a better course of action. People make mistakes. I definitely believe in forgiveness and moving forward," Rodgers said. "Obviously, he has a tough task in front of him moving forward with his career, on and off the field."
Via Associated Press