Jackson Clears Waivers, Becomes a Free Agent

Bo Jackson became a free agent Friday when he was not claimed by any of the other 25 major league teams before waivers issued by the Kansas City Royals Tuesday expired in mid-afternoon.

Jackson, whose baseball and football careers are in doubt because of a hip injury, can negotiate with any team now.

The Royals are obligated to pay one-sixth--$391,484--of a $2.375-million contract that is otherwise voided.

Although the waiver price was $1, a team claiming Jackson would have been responsible for the entire $2.375 million, a steep fee considering Jackson might not play.

The New York Yankees, who had the first claim and were thought to be the club most seriously considering the risk of assuming his salary, backed off on the basis of medical opinions.

It is believed, however, that the Yankees, the Atlanta Braves, the Angels and Dodgers might continue to gather medical views with an eye to signing Jackson to a conditional contract as a free agent. But it is also likely that no club will get serious for several months, until Jackson is deeper into his therapy and more is known about the possibility of his recovery.

Angel President Richard Brown said that he had expected the Yankees to claim Jackson, adding that the Angels “would certainly consider” pursuing Jackson.

“If we could work out something reasonable, maybe something based on games played, that would be a possibility,” Brown said. “It certainly would be fruitful to hold discussions.”

In addition, the possibility remains open that the players’ union will hold the Royals responsible for Jackson’s full salary. Gene Orza, the union’s associate counsel, said he would request the medical reports Monday.

Of Jackson’s availability on waivers, Yankee General Manager Gene Michael said: “We wanted to be able to claim him. We wanted in every way for it to happen, but we felt the risk was too great.”

Said Jackson’s agent, Richard Woods: “I talked with Bo and told him I thought he would be claimed by the Yankees. I was a bit surprised he wasn’t . . . He’s excited to be a free agent and have the chance to pick.”

Times staff writer Helene Elliott contributed to this story.