WASHINGTON — With an apology to Congress, baseball and the kids who looked up to him, Astros all-star shortstop Miguel Tejada received a sentence of one year of probation Thursday for misleading Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Tejada faced possible prison time, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay issued a sentence of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. Kay waived drug testing often required of other convicts on probation.
Tejada stood before the judge and gave a 45-second statement. He said he takes “full responsibility for not answering the question” and apologized to Congress, fans of his sport “and especially the kids.”
He added: “I learned a very important lesson.”
Last month, the 34-year-old pleaded guilty to withholding information when questioned by House committee investigators in August 2005 about an ex-teammate’s use of steroids and human growth hormone.
Footnotes.
Astros third baseman Aaron Boone had open heart surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve.
• Former agent Jeff Moorad was introduced as CEO and vice chairman of the Padres, and confirmed that former NFL star Troy Aikman is a limited partner in his ownership group.
• All-star pitcher Justin Duchscherer is likely to begin the season on the disabled list after the Athletics right-hander left a minor-league game with elbow pain.
• Former all-star reliever Brendan Donnelly was released from his minor-league contract by the Rangers.
• Manager Joe Girardi said left-hander CC Sabathia will start both the regular season and home opener for the Yankees.
The Associated Press
