TUCSON, Ariz. – The players’ association will offer advice but said it’s the choice of each individual whether to cooperate with former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell’s investigation into steroids use.

Mitchell, hired by commissioner Bud Selig just before the start of the 2006 season, warned baseball owners in January that a lack of cooperation with his investigation into steroid use will “significantly increase” the chances of government involvement.

Union head Donald Fehr, starting his annual spring training tour by meeting with the Arizona Diamondbacks, said Mitchell’s comments were unnecessary and that important individual rights are involved.