PRIOR SUSPENSIONS MAY COST HOWE VOLUNTEER COACHING JOB

WHITEFISH, Mont.- Steve Howe, who was suspended seven times for drug
and alcohol violations during his career as a big league pitcher, has been
suspended as a volunteer coach for the Whitefish girls' softball team.

Howe was told he could no longer help the team on which his daughter,
Chelsi, is a second baseman, pending the outcome of a background check
by the Whitefish administration.

"We're in the process of reviewing the information that goes along
with Steve and his past," said school superintendent Dave Peters.
"We're trying to determine what is in the best interest of the
district. It's a very difficult issue for us."

He said Howe may be reinstated after the check. Howe's past problems
with drugs and alcohol are the focal point of the inquiry.

"He's an excellent coach," said senior outfielder Michaela Herbert.
"He knows what he's talking about and he explains things very well. I
hope he's able to come back soon."

Howe has been helping the team since practices began more than two
weeks ago.

The Whitefish softball team is funded by the Whitefish Softball
Association and not the school, but the school district has a say in
employment matters.

"Hopefully reasonable people can come to a reasonable solution," Howe
said Wednesday. "I'm kind of dumbfounded by the whole thing.

"I have a very big investment in the kids in this community and right
now a lot of damage is being done to these kids and to the program.
And for what reason? I don't know. For the life of me, I don't know."

In addition to his problems with major league baseball, the
41-year-old Howe pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of attempting
to buy cocaine in 1992.

His career in the majors ended when the New York Yankees released him
on June 22, 1996.