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Selig says not disciplining Giambi was 'appropriate decision'
ESPN.com news services
Updated: August 16, 2007, 2:05 PM ET
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TORONTO -- Jason Giambi escaped punishment from commissioner Bud Selig on Thursday because of the Yankee slugger's charitable work and cooperation with baseball's steroids investigator.
Selig, speaking on the second and final day of an owners meeting, called this an "appropriate decision."
Giambi has acknowledged a "personal history regarding steroids." He agreed to speak with former Sen. George Mitchell last month after Selig threatened to discipline him if he refused to cooperate.
"He's doing a lot of public-service work, and I think that's terribly important," Selig said. "I think it's more important for us to keep getting the message out. He was, I thought, very frank and candid with Sen. Mitchell, at least that was the senator's conclusion. Given everything, this is an appropriate decision."
Selig said June 21, before Giambi met Mitchell, that he would take "Giambi's level of cooperation into account in determining appropriate further action."
After the meeting, in a letter to Giambi, Selig wrote: "In the days since your interview, your representatives have discussed with my office your commitment to off-field charitable activities. For example, your agent has informed my office that you intend to donate $50,000 to the Partnership of a Drug Free America. You have also committed to make an additional donation of $50,000 in cash or equipment to the Harlem RBI."
The commissioner said Mitchell was not expected to speak with any other active players.
"This was a special circumstance," Selig said. "I have no other plans."
No date has been announced for the release of Mitchell's report.
Giambi met Mitchell in New York on July 13, becoming the first active player known to talk with baseball's steroids investigator.
Mitchell and members of his law firm met with Giambi. The New York star's agent, Arn Tellem, and lawyer, Brian O'Neill, were present, along with Rob Manfred, executive vice president for labor relations in the commissioner's office, and players' union general counsel Michael Weiner.
Giambi, a former American League MVP, missed more than two months this season because of torn tissue in his left foot. He's batting .270 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 51 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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ESPN.com news services
Updated: August 16, 2007, 2:05 PM ET
Comment
TORONTO -- Jason Giambi escaped punishment from commissioner Bud Selig on Thursday because of the Yankee slugger's charitable work and cooperation with baseball's steroids investigator.
Selig, speaking on the second and final day of an owners meeting, called this an "appropriate decision."
Giambi has acknowledged a "personal history regarding steroids." He agreed to speak with former Sen. George Mitchell last month after Selig threatened to discipline him if he refused to cooperate.
"He's doing a lot of public-service work, and I think that's terribly important," Selig said. "I think it's more important for us to keep getting the message out. He was, I thought, very frank and candid with Sen. Mitchell, at least that was the senator's conclusion. Given everything, this is an appropriate decision."
Selig said June 21, before Giambi met Mitchell, that he would take "Giambi's level of cooperation into account in determining appropriate further action."
After the meeting, in a letter to Giambi, Selig wrote: "In the days since your interview, your representatives have discussed with my office your commitment to off-field charitable activities. For example, your agent has informed my office that you intend to donate $50,000 to the Partnership of a Drug Free America. You have also committed to make an additional donation of $50,000 in cash or equipment to the Harlem RBI."
The commissioner said Mitchell was not expected to speak with any other active players.
"This was a special circumstance," Selig said. "I have no other plans."
No date has been announced for the release of Mitchell's report.
Giambi met Mitchell in New York on July 13, becoming the first active player known to talk with baseball's steroids investigator.
Mitchell and members of his law firm met with Giambi. The New York star's agent, Arn Tellem, and lawyer, Brian O'Neill, were present, along with Rob Manfred, executive vice president for labor relations in the commissioner's office, and players' union general counsel Michael Weiner.
Giambi, a former American League MVP, missed more than two months this season because of torn tissue in his left foot. He's batting .270 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 51 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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