Selig not to discipline Giambi for steroid use

August 17, 2007

New York, NY - Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced on Thursday that he will not take any disciplinary action against Yankees slugger Jason Giambi for his admitted use of performance-enhancing substances.

In making the announcement, Selig cited Giambi's cooperation with Senator George Mitchell's investigation into steroid use in baseball and Giambi's off- field charitable activities. Selig asked Giambi in June to meet with Mitchell concerning his investigation.

USA Today originally reported that Selig was heading toward suspending Giambi if he didn't cooperate. Giambi was the first active player to cooperate with Mitchell's investigation.

"Jason was frank and candid with Senator Mitchell," said Selig in a letter to Giambi. "That and his impressive charitable endeavors convinced me it was unnecessary to take further action.

"In the days since your interview, your representatives have discussed with my office your commitment to off-field charitable activities," said Selig. "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. You also have agreed to make an appearance at the Major League Baseball Academy in Compton, California during the 2007-2008 off-season. Finally your representatives have notified the Baseball Tomorrow Fund of your willingness to participate in a check presentation ceremony."

The slugger was quoted by USA Today as saying baseball needs to apologize for the issue of steroids in the sport.

Giambi soon after met with Major League Baseball officials and Selig considered suspending the former AL MVP for his vague admission to taking performance-enhancing drugs.

Giambi was among those who testified before a grand jury during the BALCO investigation in December 2003, and reports in the San Francisco Chronicle a year later said he told the grand jury that he used steroids and human growth hormone.

In February 2005, he issued an apology, but never used the word steroids - citing legal issues - and did not specifically say for what he was apologizing.