Back in February of 2008, Roger Clemens swore under oath before a Congressional committee that he did not take performance-enhancing drugs, and had not discussed them with former teammates and trainers. Skeptical, Congress asked the Department of Justice to take a closer look at Clemens' claims, and here's your punchline:
Federal authorities have decided to indict Roger Clemens on charges of making false statements to Congress about his use of performance-enhancing drugs, according to two people briefed on the matter.
Boom. An indictment, of course, is not the same thing as a conviction, but it’s the first step on the way, and Roger Clemens can now look forward to the distinct probability of a trial at a later date. Turns out the contradictions between his testimony and that of former trainer Brian McNamee - which linked him to PED use - were too blatant to ignore.
NBC’s Craig Calcaterra has more on the indictment. He writes:
Many of Clemens’ statements are exceedingly difficult to square with known facts and common sense. At the same time, many of the witnesses against Clemens already face credibility issues, Brian McNamee chief among them. Even if you believe, as I am inclined to, that Clemens was not truthful during his Congressional testimony, convicting him of perjury will be no easy feat.
Oh, the public is going to love this.
Roger Clemens Trial Opens With PED Discussion
The Rogers Clemens trial didn’t shy away from discussing performance enhancing drugs on the first day of the proceedings. Both the defense and prosecution have PEDs run to the core of their arguments. The prosecution wants to paint Clemens as a PED user and a liar under oath while in front of a Congressional hearing panel. The defense, though, is trying to discredit those arguments by attacking the credibility of Brian McNamee, Clemens’ former personal trainer. They will argue that McNamee lied in the past and is still lying.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the prosecution’s case will depend on the contents of an old beer can:
Read Article >Roger Clemens Trial Jury Set, Includes Cousin Of Clemens’ Former Coach
More tidbits!
The perjury charges against Clemens revolve around his 2008 testimony to a committee of the House of Representatives that he didn’t take steroids while he was a player. It appears likely that Clemens’ attorneys will argue that the House committee had no legitimate business with Clemens, since his testimony had nothing to do with any legislation the House was considering. Therefore, Clemens’ attorneys might argue, Clemens did not obstruct the House, since it was sticking its nose where it didn’t belong.
Read Article >Roger Clemens’ Former Teammate Not Likely To Testify At Perjury Trial
It wasn’t necessarily all good news for Clemens from U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton, though. He also said he’s unlikely to allow the defense to tell jurors about rape charges that had previously been brought against McNamee. That information was designed to damage McNamee’s credibility.
Walton also said the trial may not start on Wednesday as is currently scheduled. Apparently, there have been some delays in obtaining the audio of Clemens’ 2008 Congressional deposition from House investigators.
Read Article >Roger Clemens Pleads Not Guilty To Six Felony Charges
Roger Clemens had his arraignment in Washington, DC, on Monday, and as was expected, the former MLB pitcher pleaded not guilty.
Clemens faces six felony charges, including perjury, obstruction of Congress and making false statements after his testimony in front of a House of Representatives committee in 2008 regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs. He promptly denied the accusations, saying, “I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial.”
Read Article >Roger Clemens Expected To To Plead Not Guilty To Felony Charges
Roger Clemens, who has his arraignment Monday afternoon at 2 P.M. EDT in Washington, DC, is expected to plead not guilty to six felony counts, including perjury, according to the New York Daily News. The charges stem from his testimony to Congress in 2008 regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs.
Clemens was indicted a week-and-a-half ago, and promptly denied the claims, saying, “I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial.” And that confidence remained -- according to the NYDN, Clemens has told friends “that he’s happy this day has finally arrived.”
Read Article >Roger Clemens To Be Arraigned Monday In D.C.
Roger Clemens, being indicted for perjury -- charges he denies, of course -- will be arraigned Monday at 2 P.M. EDT in Washington, DC.
It will be The Rocket’s first appearance in court for the criminal charges that he lied to Congress when testifying about the use of PEDs. Clemens is facing six counts and is expected to plead not-guilty.
Read Article >Roger Clemens Denies Perjury Charges, Allegations Of Steroid Use
Did you know that Roger Clemens was on Twitter? I didn’t, either. At least, not until just a few minutes ago, when he released the following brief statement:
As one would expect, Clemens is holding his ground. Look for this story’s intensity to SKYROCKET.
Read Article >Roger Clemens Facing Perjury Indictment
Boom. An indictment, of course, is not the same thing as a conviction, but it’s the first step on the way, and Roger Clemens can now look forward to the distinct probability of a trial at a later date. Turns out the contradictions between his testimony and that of former trainer Brian McNamee - which linked him to PED use - were too blatant to ignore.
NBC’s Craig Calcaterra has more on the indictment. He writes:
Read Article >
