Tampa, Fla. ? The New York Yankees gave outfielder Ruben Rivera his unconditional release Monday night.

General manager Brian Cashman, who had two closed-door meetings with Rivera over the past three days, wouldn’t divulge the reasons for the release. There were allegations, however, that the prospect was involved in the theft of equipment from Derek Jeter’s locker, according to a New York Daily News report.

“He’s no longer a member of the organization,” Cashman said. “It’s my opinion not to comment on the specific reason. It’s a decision we made.”

Rivera, 28, originally was signed by the Yankees as free agent in 1990, and spent six years in the organization. He was traded to San Diego in the Hideki Irabu deal in 1997.

Rivera, who was competing with Gerald Williams for the role as backup center fielder, has a .218 career average with 58 homers in 562 games.

Rivera’s contract called for a $700,000 salary this year, which would mean the Yankees would owe $114,754 (30 days salary) in termination pay.