Rivera released by Yanks after bat, glove theft

TAMPA, Fla. -- A baseball player's locker is a sacred place -- the one private place in his very public world. Ruben Rivera learned that invading that sanctum can be a most serious offense.

Once one of the most promising prospects in baseball, Rivera was placed on unconditional release waivers by the New York Yankees after being accused of taking a bat and glove from teammate Derek Jeter's locker.

"That type of thing is a shock," manager Joe Torre said Tuesday. "It's sad. It's unfortunate."

None of the Yankees players or officials would publicly say why Rivera was cut. But a baseball lawyer familiar with the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Rivera took the equipment from Jeter's locker and sold it to a sports memorabilia agent.

Rivera later returned the glove and bat, which he reportedly sold for $2,500, but it was too late to save his career with the Yankees.

He signed a $1 million, one-year guaranteed contract with the Yankees last month, but the team negotiated a $200,000 settlement Monday, the source said.

"The clubhouse is a special place," Torre said. "It's our sanctuary. It's a big part of what we do. Trust is very important."

Jeter declined to comment.