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Mitchell Report Will Be Flawed, Insiders Say

Players, others complain of missteps in the investigation

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Dec 12, 2007 11:21 PM CST
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(Newser) – George Mitchell is poised to release his long-awaited report on steroid use in baseball—but many of those interviewed by his investigators have serious doubts it will solve anything, reports ESPN's Howard Bryant. Players, trainers and managers say the 20-month investigation has been hamstrung by tension between owners and the players' union, Mitchell's lack of understanding of baseball culture, and his professional ties to MLB.

Not one of the 750 players in the union is known to have voluntarily complied with the investigation, which lacked subpoena authority. Trainers complained of being pressured to make guesses about certain players. GMs are particularly worried they will take the fall. Said one, "If this thing comes out and pins everything on us, which is what I think will happen, then every GM in baseball should sue baseball."

Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, left, is joined by Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig during a news conference in New York, in this March 30, 2006, file photo. Mitchell said his probe into steroid use in baseball has been delayed because he lacks power to order testimony. (AP...
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, left, is joined by Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig during a news conference in New York, in this March 30, 2006, file photo. Mitchell said...   (Associated Press)
These are 2006 file photos showing baseball commissioner Bud Selig, left, and former senator George Mitchell. George Mitchell called a news conference for Thursday Dec. 13, 2007 to announce the results of his 20-month investigation into drug use in baseball. (AP Photo/File)
These are 2006 file photos showing baseball commissioner Bud Selig, left, and former senator George Mitchell. George Mitchell called a news conference for Thursday Dec. 13, 2007 to announce the results...   (Associated Press)
George Mitchell is shown in New York in this 2006 file photo. Baseball investigator Mitchell likely will issue his long-awaited report on steroids use in baseball by the end of the year, and there is a strong possibility he will identify individual players. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer,File)
George Mitchell is shown in New York in this 2006 file photo. Baseball investigator Mitchell likely will issue his long-awaited report on steroids use in baseball by the end of the year, and there is...   (Associated Press)
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Report likely to criticizes commissioner, union
New York Times

Don't expect too much
MSNBC

 
steroids • MLB • Bud Selig • George Mitchell • Major League Baseball Players Association • baseball • Mitchell Report

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