THE SIDELINES : Steinbrenner Rests His Case

CHICAGO — New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, apparently satisfied to have his own testimony stand as his entire defense, let pass a deadline to submit additional information or affidavits from others to baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent.

The commissioner is scheduled to return to his vacation home in Cape Cod on Friday to begin his final deliberations on whether Steinbrenner acted against the best interests of baseball regarding his relationships with gambler Howard Spira and outfielder Dave Winfield.

Vincent told Steinbrenner after their two-day hearing last week that if he wanted to present further information, he would have to do so in writing “by the close of the business day” Wednesday.

Vincent, contacted at his hotel in Minneapolis, said, “I haven’t heard from anybody.”