Official: Schott to Be Challenged : Baseball: Unidentified executive council member says he plans to call for action against Cincinnati Reds’ owner.

NEW YORK —  A member of baseball’s executive council said Friday that he intended to ask the group to take action against Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott.

The council member, speaking on the condition he not be identified, said the group had not yet discussed Schott, who has been accused of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks. The council meets next on Dec. 7 at Louisville, Ky., where the winter meetings will be held.

“I don’t think we can let those statements go and brush it off,” the council member said. “I’m not not sure exactly what will be done. I don’t like it because it reflects on all of baseball.”

The national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham H. Foxman, said Friday that Schott should be suspended and said baseball had been disgraced by her statements.

“What is called for is a clear statement of repudiation of the comments and attitudes,” Foxman said. “That would be a beginning.

“If in fact these statements are true, I think suspension would be appropriate. It’s ironic that American baseball, the national pastime, is being sullied and tainted by such attitudes.”

Milwaukee Brewers owner Bud Selig, the executive council chairman, and National League president Bill White have refused to comment publicly about Schott. The 11-member executive council assumed power after the resignation of commissioner Fay Vincent on Sept. 7.

Selig repeated Friday that he and the council would not comment on Schott’s statements. Schott did not return telephone messages.

“There is nothing in Mr. Foxman’s statement I would disagree with insofar as to what baseball does or doesn’t stand for,” said Steve Greenberg, deputy commissioner.

“I don’t think they’re going to be able to make it go away,” Foxman said. “I think the American public will demand to hear the voice of the industry.”

The council member said he was personally offended by Schott’s statements.

“It’s just a shame that she’s gotten caught up in it,” the council member said. “It’s unfortunate. She’s just an outspoken lady and never hesitates to speak what’s on her mind. These feelings, if they are her feelings, are unfortunate.”

The council member also said this situation points out the vacuum created by the absence of a commissioner.

“I would think in a situation like this, if we had a commissioner, he would and should impose a penalty,” the council member said.