Executive Council Did Nothing About Steinbrenner’s Protest

Baseball’s executive council, an advisory body without jurisdiction over disciplinary issues, took no formal action last October after receiving a 135-page petition from George Steinbrenner protesting the way in which he was banished from the day-to-day operation of the New York Yankees, deputy commissioner Steve Greenberg said Wednesday.

Greenberg’s comments came in response to a New York Daily News story that repeated details of a story first reported by The Times on Oct. 12, three days after attorneys for Steinbrenner sent the petition to the eight owners and two league presidents who make up the council.

The petition accuses Commissioner Fay Vincent, currently vacationing in Jamaica, of orchestrating and overseeing “a totally biased and unfair investigation” in order to “gather damning, negative, and one-sided information” against Steinbrenner.

The council, according to Greenberg, was advised by American League and National League attorneys to withhold action because it lacked jurisdiction.

“I’ve spoken with every member of the council at one time or another, and they gave Fay their unanimous approval,” Greenberg said, adding that the latest newspaper rehash prompted “unsolicited response from a number of owners reiterating their overwhelming support for Fay on this issue and others.”

Greenberg said the reappearance of the story was part of Steinbrenner’s stated intention “to destroy Fay Vincent” and create publicity for three lawsuits he has filed in conjunction with his banishment, the terms of which Steinbrenner agreed to.

Dodger President Peter O’Malley, a member of the executive council, issued the following statement: “This matter was dealt with by the executive council last fall, and it was determined that the council does not have jurisdiction. Furthermore, I fully support the commissioner on this matter.”