"The mystery surrounding Mariano Rivera's vocal cords deepened yesterday.

Last week, Rivera said he had a doctor's appointment slated for yesterday to see if surgery on the vocal cords was required. He has been unable to talk above a raspy whisper for a month.

Citing the Health Insurance Portability and Acountability Act because it is a non-baseball injury, the Yankees refused to acknowledge the all-time saves leader even visited a doctor.

The only way the Yankees can legally talk about Rivera's condition is for Rivera to give them permission. As of last night he had not done that."