Steinbrenner Reportedly Got FBI Help

George Steinbrenner used his 20-year relationship with the FBI to get special help from the bureau’s agents, particularly for information on gambler Howard Spira, according to published reports.

The National reported Thursday that Steinbrenner’s relationship with FBI agents in Tampa, Fla., where the New York Yankee owner operates a ship building company, helped build an extortion case against Spira.

The New York Times reported in Friday’s editions that the FBI’s assistance to Steinbrenner included searches of computerized bureau files in Washington on Spira.

Steinbrenner reciprocated the FBI’s help by providing agents with special rates in his hotel in Tampa, by entertaining agents in luxury boxes at Yankee Stadium and at Tampa Bay Buccaneer football games, and by hosting parties for FBI agents sent from Washington to Tampa, the National reported.

Last week, Steinbrenner was ordered by Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent to resign as the Yankees’ general partner and give up control of the team by Aug.20.