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Is Straw buried?

Selig places Yankees' outfielder on leave from MLB

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Posted: Saturday April 24, 1999 02:48 PM

Darryl Strawberry can't be involved with the Yankees in any capacity, including their farm system. AP

NEW YORK (AP) -- Darryl Strawberry cannot play with the Yankees or work out with them or their farms teams until major league baseball completes a review of his arrest on drug and solicitation charges.

Commissioner Bud Selig today placed the outfielder on "administrative leave" after consulting with doctors chosen by the league and union.

Strawberry will not be allowed to work out with the Yankees or their farm teams while the matter is being reviewed.

Major league baseball spokesman Rich Levin said he did not know how long the leave or inquiry will last.

"It's in the hands of the legal system in Florida and it will depend on what happens there," he said.

Strawberry has a home in Tampa, Fla., where the arrest occurred. The 37-year-old player had wanted to resume workouts at the Yankees' minor league complex there.

The Yankees, who have stopped paying his $2.5 million salary, declined to comment before today's game with Toronto.

Strawberry's lawyer, Joseph Ficarrotta, said his client intends to plead innocent to the charges of cocaine possession and solicitation of a prostitute. A hearing date has not been scheduled.

Because of Strawberry's history, he is subject to random drug testing twice a week by major league baseball.

He was tested the day before his arrest and it was reported that he had passed. There has been no word on the outcome of his second test, leading to speculation that he passed that one as well.

Strawberry was arrested April 14 while at the Yankees' training camp rehabilitating from colon cancer surgery. The eight-time All-Star was charged with possession of 0.3 grams of cocaine and offering an undercover female officer $50 for sex. He was released on a $6,000 bond.

Strawberry said the cocaine found wrapped in a $20 bill inside his wallet did not belong to him. And while he acknowledged discussing sex with the undercover officer, he insisted he was joking and did not intend to meet her at a motel.

Strawberry has a long history of drug problems and run-ins with the law. Strawberry was suspended for 60 days after he tested positive for cocaine in 1995.

He batted .257 last season with 24 homers in 101 games for the Yankees. Strawberry is not on the 40-man roster and has not traveled with the team this season, except in spring training.

 

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