we re: MR. if fren: «Dy C. TOOHEY DECLASSIFIED BY 60322 UC 12/2L0/Le¥ off of MELE RT om 08-24-2011 Sheers see subject = Qxvcoins SUBJECTS; SPECIAL IMPROPER ASSOCIATION WITH NEW YORK YANKEES OWNER. GEORGE ‘STEINBRENNER OPR MATTER PURPOSE: To set forth the results of OPR’s investigation of captioned matter and to make recommendations for resolving this inguiry. (U) SYNOPSIS: Captioned inquiry was initiated upon review of extensive media reports in August, 1990, alleging a long-term improper relationship between the Tampa Office of the PBI and be George Steinbrenner. This and other more specific allegations bre against current and former FBI employees were apparently prompted by Steinbrenner’s involvenent as a victim in a Tampa FBI extortion investigation of reputed New York gambler Howard Spira. These allegations surfaced during Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent's highly publicized probe which resulted in a decision to remove Steinbrenner fron involvement in the management of the New York Yankees. Steinbrenner’s removal from baseball was based on 1 - Mr. Shaheen, OPR/DOJ (Enclosure) 1 - SAC, Tampa (Personal Attention) (Enclosure) 1 - The Director 1 - Mr. Clarke 1 _ Me. Revell D2 HQ~1 POSS LIME Gietatear J MEL genneay’ (atten: enclosure) 1 - Mr. Christensen (Attn: (Enclosure) ioe Gow 1 - Mr. Baker (Attn 1 - Mr. Davis (Enclo! bide agence 1 Mr. Toohey 37) bb *°tS3-347) (Enctosure) fs (16) pee a790“SECRET MEMORANDUM R. A. REGALBUTO TO MR, TOOHEY be RE: UNKNOWN SUBJECTS; » FBI SPECIAL AGENTS IMPROPER ASSOCIATION WITH NEW YORK YANKEES OWNER GEORGE STEINBRENNER SEtRC! his association with Spira and Spira’s criminal defense attorneys claim he was only indicted for extortion because of pressure exerted by Steinbrenner on the Tampa Office of the FBI. Spira’s attorneys have claimed his indictment was sought by the FBI to bolster Steinbrenner’s contention to the Baseball Commissioner that his association with Spira was as a victim of an extortion schene. This would help him refute a contention by the Commissioner of Baseball that his relationship with Spira surrounded his efforts to purchase inf be damaging tol (0) The scope of captioned Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) inquiry was not only to address the allegations of serious misconduct or criminality against current FBI employees, but also to identify the extent of Steinbrenner’s association/rélationship with the Tampa Office of the FBI. (U) Steinbrenner’s association with the FBI apparently began when he hired retired Cleveland SAC Charlie Cusick (deceased) as an executive in Steinbrenner’s American Shipbuilding Corporation. Cusick, acting on a request to him by Special Agents of the Tampa Division, was instrumental fin arranging for Steinbrenner’s cooperation in several foreign counterintelligence investigations the FBI was conducting} os (wy During February, 1979, and again during March, 1986, the Tampa Division conducted investigations as a result of Applications for Pardon After Completion of Sentence, that were submitted by Steinbrenner. Steinbrenner had pled guilty on 8/23/74 to an Information which charged him with conspiracy to make illegal corporate political campaign contributions and misdemeanor accessory-after-the-fact charges in connection with former President Richard M. Nixon’s campaign efforts. After Steinbrenner’s original pardon petition was denied by the President in 1981, he reapplied for a pardon during approximately March, 1986, and was granted a Presidential Pardon during approximately January, 1989. (U)-SReRES MEMORANDUM R. A. REGALBUTO TO MR. TOOHEY RE: UNKNOWN SUBJECTS; FBI SPECIAL AGENTS IMPROPER ASSOCIATION WITH NEW YORK YANKEES OWNER GEORGE STEINBRENNER OPR MATTER During mid-1980 ——— 7 paring the end off by Steinbrenne when Cusick ended his employnent with Steinbrenner's organization. During approximately mid-1989, Steinbrenner hired in New York, New York. was hired primarily upon the reconmendation of Ce Ty Steinbrenner's relationship with the FBI as identified in this inquiry has been based primarily on the strength of the reputations and associations developed by Cusick and Le Jwhite they were FBI employees. Steinbrenner is active in civic and charity activities in the Tampa area and established a "Gold Shield Program" which financially benefits the families of law enforcenent officers kille ine of duty in the Tampa, Florida, area. Largely at request, Steinbrenner included FBI agents as potential Beneficiaries under the Gold Shield Program. Steinbrenner is also an occasional speaker at FBI National Academy conferences. (U) Venue for Howard Spira's Extortion/Interception of Communication (I0c) trial has been moved from Tampa, Florida, to New York, New York, and is currently scheduled to begin in early April, 1991. A request has been made (upon the insistence of Spira's defense attorneys) by U. S. District Court Judge Louis L. Stanton to review the results of this OPR inguiry. OPR/DOJ is coordinating the response to this request. (U) The following allegations were addressed in this (a) (a) Improper influence by Steinbrenner on the Federal indictment of Howard spira. Investigation failed to corroborate this allegation. (U) inguiry (b) Unofficial background checks conducted for Steinbrenner by present and past Tampa FBI employees. SBeREE oa oll