|
 Michael Weiner, the union's general counsel, made the statement Wednesday to agents attending a meeting in New York, two people with knowledge of the session said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the remarks were intended to remain private.
The Boston Globe's Web site Thursday afternoon, citing two agents, reported those at the meeting were told that 11 current free-agent players are named in Mitchell's report, but Weiner said the union didn't know whether any names would be included, those with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press.
"Under the collective bargaining agreement between the 30 major league clubs and the players' association, any request by me for an interview with a current player must be made through their representative, the players' association," Mitchell said in a statement.
Later Thursday, the Globe said on its Web site that it "turns out the agents might have misunderstood what was said at Wednesday's union meeting," and the reporter apologized.
Approximately 160 players are eligible for free agency.
Many general managers at the GM meetings this week said the possibility of particular players being implicated by Mitchell would not be considered when they pursue free agents.
Mitchell, who is expected to issue his report by the end of the year, set a Saturday deadline for player interviews, one of the people said, also on condition of anonymity.
[to top of second column]
 |
"I said at the outset of the investigation, and I've repeated several times since, that I would provide each player about whom allegations were received of the illegal use of performance-enhancing substances the opportunity to meet with me, at which time I would provide him with the information about the allegations and give him a chance to respond," Mitchell said.
The Yankees' Jason Giambi is the only active player known to have spoken with Mitchell. A second player, who was not identified, also agreed to cooperate, SI.com reported this week.
Mitchell, a former Senate Majority Leader who remains a director of the Boston Red Sox, would not comment on the Saturday deadline for player interviews.
"When that process is complete, I will evaluate all of the information that has been gathered in the investigation and will make the final decisions as to my report," he said.
Major League Baseball likely will get the report shortly before its release so it can review it and ensure it does not contain any confidential information covered by the sport's drug agreement with the union, one of the people with knowledge of the meeting said.
[Associated Press; By RONALD BLUM]
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
|
