An initially unconfirmed account by a caller to the Opie and Anthony morning show on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio that George Steinbrenner had died, quickly set off another internet celebrity death rumor, however, unlike other such net-fueled rumors in the past, this one turned out to be true.
The often-controversial baseball executive suffered a “massive heart attack” at his home in Florida, and has died, according to the Associated Press.
Steinbrenner, the outspoken and revered owner of the New York Yankees, had long been suspected of being in failing health. He had not been a part of the day to day operations of the ball club for many years, having handed over the reins to his sons Hank and Hal Steinbrenner.
As owner, George Steinbrenner, who turned 80 earlier this month, led the Yankees to seven World Series victories, and recently released a statement regarding the passing of legendary Yankees announcer Bob Sheppard.
We will update as more information becomes available.
