WASHINGTON, May 4 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell has sent letters to Major League Baseball players requesting their testimony before a commission investigating steroid use.
Although the Maine Democrat did not say how many players he had notified, sources told The New York Times that about 36 were involved.
The special commission, which is scheduled to report its findings to Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, does not have subpoena powers. Selig cannot force players to testify if they fear self-incrimination.
"We expect to meet soon with the players whose interviews we have requested," Mitchell told the Times.
Barry Bonds, the most notable player caught up in the steroid scandal, has reportedly not been sent a letter. Bonds is under criminal investigation.
Michael Rains, Bonds' lawyer, said he expects Mitchell to try to talk to his client eventually.
"I told my client, 'There's not a chance in the world you will make a statement directly to the government, or indirectly, through the Mitchell investigation, unless the federal government gets off your back,'" Rains told the Times in an interview Thursday.
