Strawberry May Testify Against Ex-Teammates

Darryl Strawberry, the former All-Star outfielder turned drug user and tax dodger, is reportedly trying to avoid a three-month jail term by testifying against two former teammates in a tax evasion probe.

The New York Daily News reported Friday that Strawberry is trying to cut a deal where he would take the stand against former New York Met teammates Dwight Gooden and Howard Johnson.

Marvin Smilon, spokesman for U.S. District Attorney Mary Jo White, would not comment on the report. But he said Strawberry’s sentencing was still scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Attorney Jack Tigue, representing Strawberry, said he expected the sentencing to be postponed--raising the possibility that a deal was in the works. He refused comment on that possibility. Another Strawberry lawyer, Martin Gelfand, did not return a phone call.

Strawberry pleaded guilty to tax evasion on Feb. 9, admitting that he failed to report more than $500,000 in income from autograph signings and promotional appearances. Authorities agreed to recommend a three-month sentence, but the News said Strawberry was hoping to avoid even that.

Strawberry has other problems. He was released by the San Francisco Giants and suspended from baseball for 60 days after failing a January drug test, his latest problem with drug and alcohol abuse.

Gooden is on suspension from baseball for his own drug violations. Johnson recently signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Gooden’s lawyer, Joseph Ficarrotta, said he had heard about Strawberry’s deal-making bid. Ficarrotta and Johnson’s lawyer, Ronald Fischetti, said they don’t believe Strawberry can hurt their clients.