Steinbrenner Suit Draws Owners’ Ire

George Steinbrenner faces suspension from baseball’s ruling executive council for suing the sport over the Yankees’ $95-million Adidas deal, two officials told The Associated Press.

In addition, the council may start an investigation that could lead to the owner’s third suspension from control of his team, the officials said, speaking on condition they not be identified.

Steinbrenner was suspended from Nov. 27, 1974-March 1, 1976, after pleading guilty to conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions to President Nixon. Steinbrenner was suspended again from Aug. 20, 1990-July 24, 1992, for dealings with and a $40,000 payment to self-described gambler Howard Spira.

The 10-man executive council, which governs baseball in the absence of a commissioner, will meet Tuesday in Chicago.

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Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Erik Hanson, who has made only two starts this season, needs shoulder surgery and may be sidelined the rest of the season.

Hanson said before Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Indians that an MRI test showed torn cartilage in his right shoulder. He expects to miss at least three months.

If a visit to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., reveals more serious damage, Hanson said he could be out for as long as six months.

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The Detroit Tigers, looking for more offense, purchased the contract of former AL Rookie of the Year Bob Hamelin from their triple-A affiliate in Toledo. Hamelin, a first baseman with a lifetime .241 average, was in the starting lineup as the designated hitter Wednesday against Kansas City.