Spira Convicted of Trying to Extort Money

Howard Spira was convicted Wednesday of trying to extort money from banished New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner.

Spira, an admitted gambler behind Steinbrenner’s ouster from baseball, was convicted on five of six counts. He was found guilty of using the mail and the telephone to make extortion demands, but cleared of a charge that he taped a conversation, intending to use it against Steinbrenner.

“It’s been an embarrassing time and a very difficult time for me and my family,” Steinbrenner said during a telephone interview. “I feel very vindicated and very happy today.”

Asked if the conviction would affect his status in baseball, Steinbrenner said, “I think some people have to have second thoughts about what they did. To say I’d like to be back--I certainly would.”

The office of Commissioner Fay Vincent, whose investigation led to Steinbrenner’s ouster, said the verdict would not affect Steinbrenner’s position.