IS DEREK JETER STILL A TRUE YANKEE?

by Kyle Smith, End Zone Buzz

Funny how different perception can be. Alex Rodriguez is not, and may never be, accepted as a "True Yankee," even though he wanted to be back in New York so badly, he made Scott Boras sit out of negotiations on his new contract. There's no doubt, that despite the often hostile nature with the way Rodriguez is treated by some fans, he wants desperately to be accepted there.

Derek Jeter? Well, he loves New York, too. Unless he has to pay state taxes. Then, he doesn't love it quite as much. Even though it's hardly caused a ripple in the news, Derek Jeter is in trouble for evading local New York state tax by claiming Florida as his primary residence instead of New York. Apparently, lying has degrees to which the media will pay attention.

Fibbing about steroids? Well, entire networks will devote ten straight hours of "breaking news" coverage to that, getting anybody and everybody they can to comment about it. Fibbing about taxes? Well, it'll get a mention, but you know, Jeter's a really nice guy, and it's probably just a mix-up, so no harm, no foul. I wonder what the reaction to this news might have been if Bonds were in the same situation.

For further reading about this, I direct you, through the Business Beat blog, to a filing in the case. If you can get through the legalese, you may find some of Jeter's objection's interesting.