Skimming Money Can Be A Bad Thing

I know the economy is in the dumper right now. But that doesn't mean you can skim money off the top. Just ask former Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden about it.

While Bowden hasn't been charged with anything, he is being investigated for skimming of signing bonuses given to Latin prospects. With this investigation ongoing, Bowden decided to resign from his job.

"My resignation is based upon my realization that my ability to properly represent the Washington Nationals has been compromised because of false allegations contained in the press," Bowden said in a statement. "I am disappointed by the media reports regarding investigations into any of my professional activities. There have been no charges made, and there has been no indication that parties have found any wrongdoing on my part.

"At the same time, while I have done nothing wrong, I place a greater value on the love, respect and best interests of my family, friends, the game of baseball -- that I've served lovingly and faithfully for close to 25 years -- and, the reputation and future of the Washington Nationals, which I'm proud to have been a part of since its inception in 2004."

It has been reported that Bowden really has been looked at by the feds since 1994 when he was the GM of the Reds. Also Bowden has found other attention, like the time he was arrested for drinking and driving.

Bowden's announcement comes two days after his special assistant, Jose Rijo, was fired by the Nationals.

It's Rijo's Dominican camp that is in question. It is suspected that Rijo would find kids who are older that they appear. He would sign them to contract that included some sort of bonus. Then they would skim off the bonus. Nice little plan, huh?

A bizarre case to say the least.

(ESPN)