STRAWBERRY PLEADS NO CONTEST

Yankees OF Darryl Strawberry pleaded no contest yesterday to drug and
solicitation charges, a move that could lead to further punishment by Major
League Baseball.

Strawberry, 37, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and must be tested
for drugs twice a week during that time, Florida Circuit Judge Jack Espinosa
Jr. said. He also must stay out of bars.

Strawberry, who is recovering from colon cancer, must undergo more drug
treatment, perform 100 hours of community service and pay $456 in court
costs and fees. He is on administrative leave from the Yankees and faces the
possibility of suspension from baseball as a multiple offender of its drug
aftercare program.

"Now that Darryl Strawberry's legal proceeding has been resolved, I will
promptly review all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter
in order to determine what action is appropriate under baseball's drug
policy," Commissioner Bud Selig said.