Florida AG Subpoenas Selig

Seeks to investigate contraction; may use state antitrust law

Tallahassee, Florida, November 16, 2001 -- The Florida attorney general's office has issued investigative subpoenas to Commissioner Bud Selig, Major League Baseball and two Florida teams, in seeking information regarding contraction plans and the effects such an action may have on its state and cities.

Attorney General Bob Butterworth intends to investigate baseball's plan to eliminate two teams, and will consider pursuing state antitrust remedies, according to a report by the New York Times. In 1994, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that baseball's antitrust exemption applied to the reserve system but not relocation or contraction.

The state issued a total of five subpoenas, including two to Selig, one as commissioner and the other in his "personal capacity", which assumes his status as part owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. They seek documents pertaining to the league vote on contraction, as well as anything related to contraction.

The subpoenaed parties have 30 days to supply the information requested. The attorney general will then decide whether to file a lawsuit on the matter.

Source : New York Times, Nov. 14, 2001.

David Burkey
E-mail : daveywriter@hotmail.com