Former slugger to remain in jail

Tuesday, April 2nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tampa-AP) -- A Tampa judge says former baseball star Darryl Strawberry has to remain in jail until his fate is decided later this month and while his new attorney reviews his case.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Florence Foster has denied bail for the former New York Yankee while he awaits an April 18th court date. He's accused of violating rules at the Ocala drug treatment center where he was serving two years of house arrest.

Foster has commended Strawberry for being free of drugs for nearly a year. But she could send Strawberry to prison for as long as 18 months for violating his probation. Prosecutors are seeking prison time.

Strawberry was kicked out of the Phoenix House drug treatment program after counselors said he broke many rules at the program. They included having sex with another resident, smoking and being uncooperative and disrespectful.