MLB: Matt Kemp Not Interested In Taking Ryan Braun’s MVP Amid PED Scandal

Ryan Braun edged out Matt Kemp for National League MVP honors last fall, shortly before a positive drug test result leaked on Dec. 10 and smeared the reputation of the Milwaukee Brewers’ slugging star. The BBWAA has already said that Braun will retain his award — but now Kemp is saying he doesn’t want it anyway.

“I feel like that would be by default,” the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star told ESPN. “I wish I would’ve won it just by them voting me and me being the MVP. That would be special. But hopefully, I will have the same type of year or even better and win it straight up this year, with us making the playoffs.”

Kemp hit .324 with 39 home runs and 126 RBIs last season, but Braun squeaked by him 388-332 in postseason voting. Braun won the award for hitting .332 with 33 home runs and 111 RBIs for the Brewers.

The Milwaukee outfielder must now serve a 50-game suspension for his positive test.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Kemp said. “I still don’t know what is going to happen. I know Braun. We have always been cool, and we have been friends. He is one of my favorite players in the big leagues. I hope it’s not true, but I don’t think it’s for me or any of [the media] to decide. Only he knows for sure, and I don’t know what the outcome is going to be.”

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