Steinbrenner Says He Would Leave USOC

George Steinbrenner says he would resign as a vice president of the U.S. Olympic Committee if asked to do so by the USOC.

Steinbrenner, ordered to relinquish control of the New York Yankees because of his $40,000 payment to gambler Howard Spira, has been with the U.S. Olympic Committee for 18 months.

“I would like to continue my work with the Olympic Committee. But I will abide by the consensus of opinion,” Steinbrenner said. “If they feel they don’t want me, then, fine, I will resign. I certainly don’t want to hurt anybody. I want to do what’s in the best interest of the Olympic Committee.”

Steinbrenner’s comments were made by telephone to The New York Times on Friday, and were published by the newspaper on Sunday.

The USOC has taken no action against Steinbrenner, but its executive committee will consider the matter during its Aug. 22 meeting at Colorado Springs, Colo.