Head of USOC Says Steinbrenner to Remain on Committee, for Now

George Steinbrenner, embattled owner of the New York Yankees, may be facing disciplinary action in professional baseball, but for the time being at least, he’s still welcome as an officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Steinbrenner is one of three USOC vice presidents and headed the Steinbrenner Commission, established after the 1988 Calgary Winter Games to help streamline the USOC and create an atmosphere to improve the performance of its athletes in the Olympics.

Reached Wednesday at his law office in Des Moines, Iowa, USOC President Robert Helmick said Steinbrenner is a public figure and his personal affairs are more likely to get attention.

Helmick would not say how the USOC might react if Steinbrenner is severely disciplined by Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent. “It would be inappropriate for us to speculate as to the outcome of the investigation,” he said.

Helmick said Steinbrenner’s business concerns have little to do with his position with the USOC, adding: “This is a business matter of George Steinbrenner’s. Of course, all of our officers have their own private businesses.

“George has been a loyal and effective officer of the USOC. He’s always shown the utmost interest in the well-being of the organization and the athletes. I’m confident he’ll do what’s in the best interest of the organization.”

Steinbrenner’s interest in amateur sports has broadened in recent years. Last year, he began the Florida Clippers track and field club, which has had moderate success.