Red Sox owner defends choice of Mitchell for stero

[Junkyard Dog]

Red Sox owner defends choice of Mitchell for steroids probe

BOSTON (AP) -- Red Sox owner John Henry is defending the choice of team director George Mitchell to head baseball’s steroids investigation.

Henry says he wants to know if any players—including his own used the banned substances.

Commissioner Bud Selig picked the former Senate Majority Leader last month to lead the investigation.

The appointment was criticized by those who felt Mitchell’s role on the Red Sox might compromise his independence.

Mitchell has said he won’t resign as a director with the Red Sox and doesn’t think there’s a conflict of interest.

He also voiced support for the toughened penalties for players who violate the ban against steroid use.

Players will be suspended 50 games without pay for a first offense and 100 for a second offense. A third positive test would result in a lifetime ban.