EX-PLAYER ADMITS VIOLATION

Sentence Hearing For Strawberry Delayed

TAMPA - Saying it's time to "take full responsibility," former baseball
slugger Darryl Strawberry on Friday admitted violating probation, his
latest in a long line of troubles.

In doing so, Strawberry cleared the path for a possible prison term. He
repeatedly has violated probation since his arrest in 1999 for cocaine
possession and solicitation to commit prostitution.

Strawberry, 40, has an 18-month suspended prison sentence hanging over him.

"It's just time for me to move forward," said the former New York Yankees
star. "It's time for me to accept my sentence."

His sentencing is scheduled for April 29.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Florence Foster, who has presided over the case,
was sick Friday, her office said. Ralph Steinberg, a retired circuit judge
and former minor league pitcher, accepted Strawberry's admission of guilt.

Strawberry's attorney, Darryl Rouson, asked Steinberg to delay sentencing
until Foster returns.

Assistant State Attorney Darrell Dirks, wearing a tie patterned with
baseballs, didn't object.

"The Twins have a big series against the Indians," Dirks said of his choice
of neckwear.

Strawberry has been in jail since last month on a violation of probation
charge. He was accused of failing to complete a court-ordered drug
rehabilitation program. Strawberry was kicked out of the Phoenix House near
Ocala for allegedly sneaking cigarettes, not taking his medication and
having sex with a female patient.

Prosecutors say Strawberry has blown numerous opportunities and should go
to prison.

Strawberry initially denied violating probation but backed off that Friday.

"I'd like to apologize to my family and friends for my behavior," he said
as his wife, Charisse, watched from a courtroom bench. "I'm on the right
road. I still have some issues I need to work through."

Rouson said Foster indicated this week that she may send Strawberry to
Zephyrhills Correctional Institution, which has a drug treatment program.

"Mr. Strawberry is willing to accept the consequences of his behavior,"
said Rouson, a recovering addict. "Even if it's state prison."

Foster has been criticized for not sending Strawberry to prison, and her
handling of the case might become a campaign issue this year as she seeks a
third six-year term. Tampa lawyer Ray Brooks this week filed to run against
Foster; incumbent judges seldom draw opposition.

Strawberry thanked several people for their support, including Foster,
calling her "a very kind-hearted person."

Strawberry's friend, Ron Dock, called the admission of guilt a
breakthrough. He said he told Strawberry he's no longer "the little boy
kicking, crying and screaming."

"Part of becoming a man is taking responsibility for your actions," said
Dock, a drug counselor with the Yankees. "One window of clarity opened up."