Lawsuit filed by “close friend” of Ryan Braun is dismissed

MILWAUKEE COUNTY (WITI) — FOX6 News has learned a lawsuit, filed by a “close friend” of Brewers slugger Ryan Braun has been dismissed.

The lawsuit was filed in Milwaukee County Court on July 31st, 2013.

The lawsuit alleged Braun has been using steroids since his days at the University of Miami.

The lawsuit was filed by Ralph Sasson — a self-described “close friend” of Braun’s from grade school, high school and college.

The lawsuit contained documents that alleged or implied that Braun has been using steroids since college, that he accepted illegal payments in violation of NCAA rules and that he committed academic misconduct at the University of Miami.

The lawsuit’s primary complaint is that Braun made defamatory statements about Sasson after a business deal went south.

Sasson said after Braun tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in 2011, Braun’s agent contacted him and offered him $5,000 for research that would help Braun beat the rap — including a background check on Dino Laurenzi — the man who collected Braun’s urine.

The lawsuit also accused Braun of encouraging Sasson to make prank phone calls intended to throw off ESPN reporters who were preparing to break the story of Braun’s failed drug test.

Sasson says he refused to make the calls, but he did perform research aimed at helping his friend.

When Braun’s agent refused to pay, Sasson threatened to sue.

He eventually got paid, but only after signing a confidentiality agreement, which requires that neither party say disparaging things about the other.
The lawsuit claims Braun violated that agreement by telling others that Sasson was “rude to the staff at Miller Park” and that he is “crazy.”

Sasson was asking the court for punitive damages.


(fox6now.com)