BOSTON - Red Sox left-hander David Wells lashed out at Bud Selig after losing his appeal of a six-game suspension Monday, drawing denials and apologies for his charge that the commissioner dragged his feet on steroids.
"I've been tested three times this year, but it's obvious that there's guys getting away with doing it," Wells said during a pregame news conference. "And he's not doing a thing."
Wells comments drew a quick response from the players' union and the commissioner's office and an apology issued by the Red Sox.
"The comments made by David today regarding the commissioner of baseball do not in any way reflect the views of the club," the Red Sox said in a statement. "The club believes the commissioner has demonstrated visionary leadership and integrity, and we recognize that his contributions to the game have been enormous. Thus, we apologize to the commissioner."
Angry over the denial of his appeal, Wells accused Selig of retaliating for past criticism and discipline czar Bob Watson of "turning against the players." He expanded his complaints to include Selig's role in declaring the 2002 All-Star game a tie and for the sport's steroid hysteria.
GRIFFEY HOPES TO STAY: Ken Griffey has no desire to leave his hometown team, his agent Brian Goldberg said in response to another round of speculation that the Reds would consider trading the outfielder. Chief operating officer John Allen said there was no truth to reports out of Chicago that the Reds and White Sox were working on a deal for Griffey.
PALMEIRO BENCHED: Rafael Palmeiro has lost his job as Orioles first baseman, the result of a prolonged slump that began after he returned from a 10-day suspension for testing positive for steroids. Palmeiro is mired in a 2-for-22 skid and is hitless in his past 14 at-bats.
KATRINA BENEFIT: The Oklahoma RedHawks, the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, welcomed the New Orleans Zephyrs with a benefit to aid relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma exchanged tickets for bottled water, and any fan who shows up with a donation through Labor Day gets in for free.
BRAVES ADD OF: The Cubs traded outfielder Todd Hollandsworth to Atlanta for minor-league pitchers Todd Blackford and Angelo Burrows . Hollandsworth will give the Braves a left-handed bat and reserve outfielder for the rest of the season.
ASTROS: Former Devil Rays right-hander Brandon Backe gave up two runs and struck out four in three innings for Double-A Corpus Christi in his first rehabilitation start since going on the disabled list last month with a strained left rib cage.
CARDINALS: Third baseman Scott Rolen had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. It was his second surgery since he was hurt May 10 in a collision with Dodgers first baseman Hee-Seop Choi .
CUBS: Right-hander Kerry Wood is scheduled for season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder Wednesday.
PADRES: Ace Jake Peavy cut his left (nonthrowing) hand while taking out the trash but said he'd be okay to start tonight.
ROYALS: First baseman Mike Sweeney missed the game with a sore lower back.
YANKEES: Second baseman Mark Bellhorn , whom the Red Sox designated for assignment Aug.20, said he would sign with New York today after he clears waivers.
