The New York Yankees will pay a US$75,000 fine and file additional reports on complimentary tickets they provided to public officials to settle an investigation by the state Lobbying Commission.
The Yankees disagree with the definition of what constitutes lobbying, and the team does not believe it engaged in lobbying, Yankees spokesman Howard Rubenstein said Wednesday.
However, "to satisfy a technical discrepancy and to ensure that there is no doubt of the Yankees' intention to be in full compliance," the Yankees have agreed to amend certain reports filed with the commission and pay US$75,000, Rubenstein said.
The team could have faced a fine of up to US$100,000.
Subpoenas were issued by the commission last week for Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine and chief operating officer Lonn Trost seeking depositions about free tickets the team handed out during the 2003 regular season and playoffs.
Commission spokesman Kris Thompson said the settlement means the three executives will not have to make depositions Jan. 21. The Yankees agreed to provide the information about free tickets within 30 days, Thompson said.
Under state laws, companies and individuals have to report all gifts to public officials worth US$75 or more.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and City Council Speaker Gifford Miller were among the public officials who accepted free tickets to 2002 Yankee playoff games.
Bloomberg told all city officials this fall not to accept free tickets to Yankees and Mets games except for opening day. Opening day is considered a ceremonial event and is regarded differently, state officials said.
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