Braun wont appear at Brewers fan event

MILWAUKEE With an arbitration panel still reviewing Ryan Braun's appeal of a positive banned substance test, the Milwaukee Brewers announced Wednesday that their star left fielder will not take part in the team's annual winter event scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee.In a statement released by the team, Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio cited the sensitive nature of the situation."In working through the logistics of this weekend's Brewers On Deck event in Milwaukee with Ryan Braun and knowing how much he enjoys interacting candidly with Brewers fans we came to the conclusion that this is too sensitive of a time in the confidential process for him to attend this year," Attanasio said. "I speak for everyone at the Brewers, including Ryan, in thanking our fans for their understanding and patience."Braun was named the National League Most Valuable Player after hitting .332 with 33 home runs and 111 RBI as the Brewers won a franchise-record 96 games and finished first in the National League Central.On Dec. 10, 2011, it was reported that Braun failed an MLB-administered drug test in October. He has since proclaimed his innocence and appeared last week before an appeals panel to state his case. The results of that panel's decision have yet to be announced, and Braun's appearance at On Deck was highly anticipated because he has not spoken publicly on the matter since reports of the failed test surfaced.