Girardi: Chamberlain made a mistake

LINCOLN, Neb. "I have spoken to Joba and he made it very clear to me that he made a mistake," Girardi said in a statement. "We certainly don't condone his actions, but he is part of the Yankees family and I believe he learned a valuable lesson which he can grow from."

Chamberlain is to appear in court Dec. 17. His blood-alcohol content level was 0.134 at the time of his arrest; the legal limit in Nebraska is 0.08.

The 23-year-old pitcher was cited early Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Lancaster County Chief Deputy Attorney Joe Kelly said Monday his office has not decided on formal charges.

"He knows he made a mistake, and he's come out and said that," Steinbrenner said. "We've always said we're an extended family, the Yankee family, and will support him 100 percent."

Chamberlain apologized Sunday to the Yankees and fans for his "error in judgment."