Court Date Set For Boss' Son-In-Law

George Steinbrenner's son-in-law and designated successor to run the New York Yankees was scheduled to appear in court March 15 to face charges of driving under the influence.

Yankees general partner Steve Swindal was arrested by St. Petersburg police at 4:26 a.m. Thursday, according to the charge report. He was booked for a misdemeanor and released from jail after posting $250 bond.

"That's too bad. I have no other comment other than to say it's unfortunate," Yankees manager Joe Torre said Friday.

Torre said the arrest wouldn't have much effect on his job of preparing the team.

"My concern are the players. That's what I'm in charge of," Torre said.

A member of the police department's DUI squad pulled Swindal over after he cut off the officer's cruiser in traffic, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said.

Swindal was weaving and driving 61 mph in a 35 mph zone when he was pulled over, Proffitt said. He refused to take a breathalyzer test and failed a field sobriety test, but was cooperative, Proffitt said.

"Mr. Swindal apologizes profusely for this distraction during the Yankees' spring training, and no further comment will be made until this is resolved," said Steinbrenner's spokesman, Howard Rubenstein.

The 52-year-old Swindal, who lives in Tampa, is married to Steinbrenner's daughter, Jennifer, and has taken an increasingly active role in running the Yankees. In June 2005, Steinbrenner said Swindal would eventually succeed him.

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Police report:

http://www.pcsoweb.com/Inmate/SubjectResults.aspx?id1234336