Steinbrenner Takes Aim at Agent

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner blames Jason Giambi 's agent for not allowing the slugger to address questions about his testimony to a grand jury that he used steroids.

"The court told Jason that he could say anything he wanted to," Steinbrenner said. "The court gave him permission. And Arn Tellem says no, he doesn't. He doesn't say anything."

"I just don't like the guy," Steinbrenner added, regarding Tellem.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in December that Giambi told a federal grand jury in 2003 that he had used steroids. Giambi apologized during a news conference in New York on Feb. 10, but didn't say why he was apologizing.

Steinbrenner arrived at Legends Field in Tampa yesterday and passed Tellem in a golf cart en route to an elevator.

When asked about Hideki Matsui as he was entering the elevator, Steinbrenner said he would like for the outfielder to remain with Yankees before adding, "I don't like the agent." He also used a four-letter profanity in reference to Tellem.

Steinbrenner later said he shouldn't have used the profanity.

"I just don't think he's a good man," Steinbrenner said. "That's all. I didn't mean to say what I said. But I'm not happy with him."

--From News Services

George Steinbrenner meets with first baseman Jason Giambi yesterday.