Major League Baseball

Paterson in hot water over Series tix?

Published Aug. 26, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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New York Gov. David Paterson provided testimony that was "inaccurate and misleading" when asked about whether he violated state law by accepting free World Series tickets — something that could lead to possible criminal charges, according to a bombshell report released Thursday.

The report, put together by former Judge Judith Kaye in her role as independent counsel to State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, found that Paterson testified that before the game, he intended "that all tickets for the individuals in his party other than his own would be paid for."

"In addition, (Paterson) testified (before the state Public Integrity Commission) that, while at home prior to the game, he personally wrote and signed an $850 check to pay for the two tickets used by his son and his son’s friend, leaving only the payee section blank; that he brought this partially completed check to the game to pay for the tickets ... that he would forward the check to the Yankees the next day," the report said.

But the report found that "contrary to the governor’s testimony, he had not formed an intent prior to the game that the tickets other than his own would be paid for. Evidence indicates that his decision to pay for the tickets for his son and his son’s friend was made following a press inquiry the day after the game."

Paterson has denied committing any wrongdoing when he received free tickets to Game 1 of last year's World Series at Yankee Stadium.

Investigators have said in the past that there was strong evidence Paterson improperly solicited the tickets, lied about it under oath and backdated a check — bearing a signature that did not resemble his — to make it appear he paid for the tickets before the New York Post asked about them.

The report called on the Albany County District Attorney to review the matter.

The report said the evidence "warrants consideration of possible criminal charges by the district attorney, who will make the ultimate decision regarding whether or not charges should be brought."

Under state law, the Albany County District Attorney has the responsibility for prosecutorial decisions regarding crimes and offenses arising in that county.

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