Ueberroth Will Begin Drug Inquiry This Week

Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth begins his drug inquiry this week, and plans to meet this month with as many as 24 players whose names have been linked to cocaine.

While Ueberroth has said suspensions and fines could result from the meetings, the players union says it hopes the commissioner will remember his stated purpose: to help, not punish.

Most of the players interviewed will be accompanied by lawyers. Donald Fehr, acting executive director of the union, said: “I expect to be present at all or substantially all of the meetings. The players have the right, as a matter of law, to be represented both by us and by their own legal counsel, if they so choose.”

Keith Hernandez of the New York Mets is expected to be among the first players to meet with Ueberroth on Tuesday. Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds said he will meet with Ueberroth on Wednesday.