People keep coming up to me and asking, ‘How does it feel to be banned for life?’ Banned for life. I wasn’t banned for life. There was never a word of suspension, probation or ban in that agreement. It was never meant to be part of it.

Meaning of the quote

The quote by George Steinbrenner, an American businessman, explains that he was never actually banned for life, despite what people were telling him. He says that the agreement he made never mentioned anything about a suspension, probation, or ban, and this was never meant to be part of the agreement. Steinbrenner is trying to clarify that the idea of him being banned for life is not accurate and was never part of the original terms.

About George Steinbrenner

George Steinbrenner was the long-time owner of the New York Yankees, guiding them to 7 World Series championships. He was known as a hands-on, controversial figure who frequently hired and fired managers, but eventually stepped back and let the baseball operations staff run the team.

More about the author

More quotes from George Steinbrenner

I am dead set against free agency. It can ruin baseball.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I haven’t always made the right decisions.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

As I’ve always said, the way New Yorkers back us we have to produce for them.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I haven’t always done a good job, and I haven’t always been successful – but I know that I have tried.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Let’s not talk punishment.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

You shouldn’t have any betting in the locker room at all, whether it’s baseball or it’s horses. You can’t beat the horses. You can’t beat any kind of gambling because they have the odds.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I don’t think that anybody should be suspended for life for anything, other than murder. How is it helping someone to say, ‘You’re done forever, your life’s over’?

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Don’t talk to me about aesthetics or tradition. Talk to me about what sells and what’s good right now. And what the American people like is to think the underdog still has a chance.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I don’t want to be in the Hall of Fame. I don’t think owners should be.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

In the end, I’ll put my good acts up against those of anybody in this country. Anybody.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I will never have a heart attack. I give them.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I was often misquoted. I was supportive of my managers, even though they all may not think so.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Ruth was probably the greatest athlete to perform in any sport. Never has there been anybody like him.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I am tough. Sometimes I’m unreasonable. I have to catch myself every once in a while.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

We plan absentee ownership as far as running the Yankees is concerned.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

But why shouldn’t I speak out? Don’t you speak out in this country?

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Is it in the best interest of baseball to sell beer in the ninth inning? Probably not. The rule has got to be more clearly defined. And then some process should be set up where the judge is not also the appeals judge.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I think about the next season right away.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

I’m really 95 percent Mr. Rogers, and only 5 percent Oscar the Grouch.’

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

People keep coming up to me and asking, ‘How does it feel to be banned for life?’ Banned for life. I wasn’t banned for life. There was never a word of suspension, probation or ban in that agreement. It was never meant to be part of it.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

As I have said many times – my father was a great fan of Bill Dickey’s and he certainly loved the Yankees. I hope that he would be pleased.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)

Owning the Yankees is like owning the Mona Lisa.

George Steinbrenner

American businessman, Major League Baseball team owner (1930-2010)