NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees moved to put the David Wells book saga behind them Monday by fining the outspoken lefthander $100,000.
Wells has agreed not to appeal the fine through the Players Association and the money collected will be donated to several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of New York, one of the favorite charities of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
Wells and the Yankees have been seeking a way to end the widespread attention that the soon-to-be-released book, "Perfect I'm Not! Boomer on Beer, Brawls, Backaches and Baseball," has created.
In the advance copies of the book, Wells wrote that he was "half drunk" when he pitched a perfect game in 1998 and speculated on steroid and amphetamine use by major league players. The book also included disparaging comments about some of Wells' teammates.
"The New York Yankees have 100 years of history and a sacred tradition. We guard that tradition viligantly," Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said. "I am pleased that David has made himself accountable for his actions.
"This concludes the matter and it is now time for the Yankees and David to concentrate on baseball."
Cashman said Saturday he would not ask Wells to waive his no-trade clause and pursue a deal involving the 38-year-old lefthander.
Wells seemed equally intent on ending the furor, offering an apology to the Yankees and Major League Baseball and calling into questions the facts in his own book.
"I want to clarify a couple of things. First when I took the mound the day of my perfect game, I was ready to pitch. I certainly wasn't drunk," Wells said. "Second, anyone who knows me understands that I only intended to write this book in the spirit of fun. I am sorry that the book hasn't been taken in that vain."
The New York Times reported Monday that the Yankees sought to fine Wells his salary for 10 games - $163,000 -but were persuaded to reduce the fine by Wells' agent Gregg Clifton. Gene Orza, the No. 2 official in the Players Association, had said the union would challenge any attempt to discipline Wells.
But Wells decided fighting the fine was not worth the trouble.
"I never intended to offend anyone, or compromise my relationships with teammates or fans and I deeply regret that I may have done so," Wells said.
The Baseball Assistance Team and The Warrior Foundation also will receive proceeds from the fine.
Major League Baseball issued a statement Monday claiming that the "most appropriate course" for the Yankees was to impose discipline and that Commissioner Bud Selig would meet with Wells "in the near future.'
Wells began his second stint with the Yankees last season and was 19-7 with a 3.75 ERA.
