Spira Pleads Not Guilty in Steinbrenner Case
Howard Spira, the alleged gambler accused of trying to extort $150,000 from George Steinbrenner, pleaded not guilty Thursday, but the case was stalled because the New York judge assigned has met Steinbrenner socially and was a guest several times in the owner’s box at Yankee Stadium.
U.S. District Judge John E. Sprizzo, given the case by random draw, suggested during a short hearing that the parties may want to ask for another judge.
Sprizzo also said he is a friend of Stephen B. Kaufman, one of Steinbrenner’s lawyers.
Spira’s lawyer, David S. Greenfield, and assistant U.S. attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said they have no objections to Sprizzo presiding over the case. But the judge, concerned over the appearance of a conflict, wants to think it over.
Spira, free on a $50,000 bond, returns to court July 23, when the government and his lawyers will meet with Sprizzo to decide whether to switch judges.
Spira, 31, is charged in an eight-count indictment with trying to extort money from Steinbrenner.
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