Mitchell report timeline
Here’s a look at the important dates during Sen. George Mitchell’s investigation: March 30, 2006
Major League Baseball announces former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell will lead an investigation into past performance-enhancing drug use in baseball. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig says the investigation will be independent and Mitchell can talk to anyone he chooses.
June 9, 2006
The attorney for Kimberly Bell, Barry Bonds ex-girlfriend, says FBI agents asked her not to cooperate with the Mitchell investigation. The agents are worried that Bonds would be entitled to learn what she told Mitchell and could use it against her in a possible perjury trial if there are any inconsistencies.
June 20, 2006
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the Mitchell team is going to interview personnel from all 30 MLB teams, including coaches, trainers and executives.
June 2006
Mitchell interviews members of the Orioles front office and coaching staff. Mitchellâs team also searches computers of the Orioles front office and training staff.
July 11, 2006
Jose Canseco meets with two lawyers from Mitchellâs team.
Aug. 14, 2006
Members of the Oakland Aâs coaching staff meet with Mitchellâs team.
Jan. 18, 2007
Mitchell tells owners that if he does not receive cooperation he may ask Congress to get involved.
Feb. 1, 2007
Mitchell sends letters to players involved in the BALCO investigation including Bonds and Gary Sheffield asking them to turn over their medical records and sit down for interviews.
Feb. 26, 2007
Sheffield tells USA Today that the Players Association advised him not to cooperate with Mitchellâs investigation and that the investigation is focused on Bonds. Union head Donald Fehr says it is up to the players whether they cooperate but the investigation does raise privacy-rights issues for players.
March 1, 2007
Mitchell denies the investigation is focused on Bonds.
April 27, 2007
Kirk Radomski, a former Mets clubhouse attendant, pleads guilty to selling performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of players from 1995 to 2005. As part of the plea agreement, Radomski will talk to Mitchell about what he knows and the government will give Mitchell evidence tying Radomski to players.
May 8, 2007
Mitchell asks the Orioles to send medical records of former players David Segui, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, Jason Grimsley and Fernando Tatis, as well as current players Miguel Tejada, Jay Gibbons and Brian Roberts.
July 13, 2007
Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi meets with Mitchell to talk about his past steroid use. The meeting comes after Selig threatened Giambi with disciplinary action. Giambi says he will not talk about steroid use by other players.
August 20007
Radomski meets with Mitchell and provides names of players he sold steroids to.
Sept. 13, 2007
Lawyers from Mitchell’s team meet with the Albany district attorneyâs office. The Albany DA is investigating an illegal steroid ring involving pharmacies and Internet sales.
Oct. 12, 2007
Mitchell releases a statement that says he asked to meet with players to provide them with evidence about allegations of their steroid use and give them a chance to respond. On the same day, a conference call is held with all 30 teams to prepare them for the release of the Mitchell report.
Oct. 21, 2007
The San Francisco Chronicle reports Indians pitcher Paul Byrd spent $25,000 on hGH between 2002 and 2005. The leak comes prior to Game 7 of the ALCS between Cleveland and the Red Sox. Some point to Mitchell as the leak because of his role as director for the Red Sox. He denies he is the leak.
Nov. 6, 2007
SI.com reports an active player will speak to Mitchell, becoming the first active player to voluntarily do so. The report does not identify the player.
Nov. 7, 2007
A lawyer for the union tells player agents that 11 members of the free-agent class have been asked to speak with Mitchell.
Dec. 10, 2007
Representatives from Seligâs office go to Mitchellâs law firm in Manhattan to review a draft of his report before it is released.
