In the first comment from embattled New York Yankee Jason Giambi's camp, his agent said the first baseman appreciated the support of fans – but did not address last week's revelation that his client told a grand jury he used steroids.
In a one-paragraph statement released Monday, Arn Tellem said: "Jason Giambi is an extremely dedicated athlete and a caring and loyal teammate. Jason loves the game of baseball, the Yankees, and the extraordinary New York Yankees fans. Jason has always appreciated the steadfast support of the fans who have been there through good times and bad. He is determined, focused and working hard to return to form in 2005 and help the Yankees get back to the World Series."
Yankees lawyers are investigating whether the team can terminate Giambi's contract, nullifying all or part of the $82 million he is owed over the final four seasons of his $120 million, seven-year deal, the Associated Press reports.
The Yankees' hometown paper, New York's Daily News, reports that the team's lack of support for Giambi is telling: The only comment has been Yankee president Randy Levine's acknowledgment that he met with Major League baseball's Rob Manfred to discuss the controversy.
Giambi's admission has opened a can of worms for professional sports, where widespread use of enhancement drugs is now being investigated.
As for baseball's reputation, "The game has been ripped from its historical moorings," sports commentator Bob Costas said on Tuesday morning's Today show.
Your Reaction
