George Steinbrenner’s lawyers said a letter sent...

George Steinbrenner’s lawyers said a letter sent to 18 limited partners wasn’t an attempt by the New York Yankee owner to defy commissioner Fay Vincent and maintain control of the team.

Kaufman and Steinbrenner’s tax lawyer, Daniel McCarthy, responded to a New York Daily News report of a letter McCarthy sent to the Yankees’ limited partners this week after Vincent barred Steinbrenner from running the club.

The letter asked the limited partners to allow Steinbrenner to remain involved in “all financial, tax and other business purposes” of the Yankees even after he gives up majority interest in the team later this month. Kaufman and McCarthy said the letter was designed to smooth the transition when Steinbrenner moves from general to limited partner.