Baseball Player's Contract Terminated: No, not Jason Giambi (though Major League Baseball is now talking tough on drug testing). Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle's contract was terminated by the team after he was cited for solicitation, his second legal problem within the past year. The team cited section 7 (b) (1) of the Uniform Player Contract, which states the team can terminate the contract if a player shall "fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship or to keep himself in first-class physical condition." This is also the clause referenced by many as the way in which the Yankees could sever their ties with Giambi.



The Neagle situation takes on even more importance in the current baseball climate. If the Rockies are allowed to terminate this contract, does this pave the way for the Yankees? The union has said it wants to "discuss" the decision and reportedly will seek payment of the $19 million still owed the pitcher (who has not taken the mound since July 2003).

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