Roger ramps up denial (1 Viewer)

[Kiddnets]

Roger on the offensive - thought he may admit after Petite buthe has too much to lose - so far this guy has been 100% accurate - Roger will have a long way to go to win in the court of popular opinion!

NY Post

Roger Clemens denied allegations by his former trainer that he took performance-enhancing drugs, calling them "a dangerous and destructive shortcut that no athlete should ever take."

The accusations against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner from former trainer Brian McNamee were the most striking in last week's Mitchell Report. Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell said McNamee said he injected Clemens with steroids in 1998 while with the Toronto Blue Jays, and steroids and human growth hormone in 2000 and 2001, while with the New York Yankees.

"I want to state clearly and without qualification: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life," Clemens said Tuesday in a statement issued through his agent, Randy Hendricks. "Those substances represent a dangerous and destructive shortcut that no athlete should ever take.

"I am disappointed that my 25 years in public life have apparently not earned me the benefit of the doubt, but I understand that Senator Mitchell's report has raised many serious questions. I plan to publicly answer all of those questions at the appropriate time in the appropriate way. I only ask that in the meantime people not rush to judgment."

Another former McNamee client, Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, said last weekend that he took HGH twice while rehabbing from an injury in 2002. Mitchell said McNamee told him he injected Pettitte with HGH two-to-four times that year.

Baseball players and owners didn't have an agreement banning steroids until September 2002. They banned HGH in January 2005.

McNamee's lawyer, Ed Ward, said he would attempt to reach his client to determine whether McNamee wanted to respond to Clemens' statement.

Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, issued a denial last Thursday, hours after Mitchell's report was issued. Tuesday marked the first public comments by Clemens, an 11-time All-Star who spent 24 years in the major leagues with Boston, Toronto, the Yankees and Houston.

The 45-year-old right-hander was 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA for the Yankees this year and may retire. He said he planned to retire after the 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons, only to return each time.

A six-time 20-game winner, Clemens was considered by most to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer before McNamee's allegations.

 

[cobalt_27]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

 

[Da Guru]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

 

[Balco]

Sue Roger, sue. Oh wait, you won't because you are a liar.

 

[Eephus]

And in other news, Clemens' pants are on fire.

 

[cobalt_27]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)Miserable sack of turd.

 

[dparker713]

Sue Roger, sue. Oh wait, you won't because you are a liar.

He couldnt win if he sued. Not only would he need to prove the Mitchell report was false, but he'd also need to prove that Mitchell was trying to intentionally cause him harm. Its just too difficult to prove. I realize this is America, but in this case suing really isnt the answer.

 

[Sea Bass]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

See Rose, Peter Edward

 

[Pat Patriot]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

What exactly is his defense here that you like?

 

[cobalt_27]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

What exactly is his defense here that you like?

Umm...perhaps I wasn't clear.Clemens is a tool. Plain and simple. His denial is every bit as transparent as this whole "rehab" shtick that's going around.All I can say is that it's refreshing to at least someone dig in his heels and say something different. It's a trainwreck, and he's a trainwreck, and I am absolutely convinced he's a juicer (and that he juiced mostly--if not exclusively--when he was a Yankee, which pisses me off). So, I'm done with him. But, I'm just so sick and tired of these panty waists who are offering up these absurd apologies that I actually like to see stupidity expressed a different way in the form of continued denial, which is what Clemens is doing here.

 

[Finless]

The Rocket will be behind a grand jury perjuring himself next month. I can't wait. Bonds and Clemens as cellies...awesome.

 

[the moops]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)Miserable sack of turd.

Clemens will be going in to the HOF with a "B" on his cap. As he should. He has no say in the matter.Clemens has pitched for 24 years, with 6 of them in NY. In terms of ERA+, those 6 years with the Yanks rank as his 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, and 23rd worst years. Only his rookie year (ERA+94) and two other mediocre years near the end of his tenure in Boston rank around the same.He was not a great pitcher for the Yankees. Not anywhere close to who he was with Boston, Toronto, or Houston.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Look at me!! I have someone else lie on my behalf!

 

[Da Guru]

This is what sealed it for me.

Mitchell contacted Clemons before the report came out and told him or his agent all of the evidence he had on Clemons and asked if they wanted to come in and talk or try to explain the situation. They would not do it.

Clemons is lying through his teeth, and at this stage he has to stick with the lie. I have a feeling Clemons is going to end up in hiding and disgraced like Mark McGuire..leading a very quiet life away from the game. Bonds will most likely end up the same way as well.

 

[massraider]

I think the same people that applauded Pettite, should also jump to poor Rocket's defense.

Why believe one guy, but not the other?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

This is what sealed it for me. Mitchell contacted Clemons before the report came out and told him or his agent all of the evidence he had on Clemons and asked if they wanted to come in and talk or try to explain the situation. They would not do it.

With the lone exception of the only guy the league could coerce into talking, none of these guys agreed to talk to the committee, whether admitting to guilt or not. I don't think that's an indication of guilt so much as following a lawyer's advice and potentially not wanting to be identified as a rat by other players. Don't get me wrong here. I don't buy a word of what Clemens' people are saying. I just don't think this is much of an indication as to guilt or innocence, especially when I've heard legal experts on the radio saying, "Even if my client never did a thing, I would advise him not to talk to these people." These are the people advising these players.

 

[redman]

Oh sure, Roger, we believe you.

 

[Wrigley]

I believe him

signed: Pete Rose

 

[TitusIII]

This is what sealed it for me. Mitchell contacted Clemons before the report came out and told him or his agent all of the evidence he had on Clemons and asked if they wanted to come in and talk or try to explain the situation. They would not do it.

With the lone exception of the only guy the league could coerce into talking, none of these guys agreed to talk to the committee, whether admitting to guilt or not. I don't think that's an indication of guilt so much as following a lawyer's advice and potentially not wanting to be identified as a rat by other players. Don't get me wrong here. I don't buy a word of what Clemens' people are saying. I just don't think this is much of an indication as to guilt or innocence, especially when I've heard legal experts on the radio saying, "Even if my client never did a thing, I would advise him not to talk to these people." These are the people advising these players.

I think it would be a fairly strong indicator of innocence, in the "see I have nothing to hide" mold...see Frank ThomasIt's too bad the union has the clean players by the balls...

 

[Vladislav Tretiak]

I think the same people that applauded Pettite, should also jump to poor Rocket's defense.Why believe one guy, but not the other?

People applauded Pettite?For what? Admitting to taking HGH to help over come an injury which was an out-and-out lie or for being caught and then admitting it?Which numbnutz applauded this clown?

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

 

[dparker713]

This is what sealed it for me. Mitchell contacted Clemons before the report came out and told him or his agent all of the evidence he had on Clemons and asked if they wanted to come in and talk or try to explain the situation. They would not do it.

With the lone exception of the only guy the league could coerce into talking, none of these guys agreed to talk to the committee, whether admitting to guilt or not. I don't think that's an indication of guilt so much as following a lawyer's advice and potentially not wanting to be identified as a rat by other players. Don't get me wrong here. I don't buy a word of what Clemens' people are saying. I just don't think this is much of an indication as to guilt or innocence, especially when I've heard legal experts on the radio saying, "Even if my client never did a thing, I would advise him not to talk to these people." These are the people advising these players.

I think it would be a fairly strong indicator of innocence, in the "see I have nothing to hide" mold...see Frank ThomasIt's too bad the union has the clean players by the balls...

And would also be an indication of utter stupidity. The source only talked because he made a deal with federal prosecutors. Which means, under no circumstance should Clemens talk to Mitchell without a lawyer, and no lawyer would allow his client to talk to Mitchell. Or are you under the impression that no innocent people go to jail?

 

[redman]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

That would be interesting. I'd love to see an interviewer propose that one to him, and watch his reaction.

 

[Escape Goat]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

I'm not saying that at all.Maybe you missed the second part of my post, which included terms by which I don't think he would ever live up to.The overall point being, if he did it, shut up or act contrite, don't deny. If you want to deny, if you want to say "24 years of dominance has earned me the benefit of the doubt", then I will give it to him, I really will, but its not a blind, consequenceless benefit. If you ARE lying, then you will pay a price that would hurt more than jail, more than a suspension, more than a fine, it would be his legacy, which is probably concern number one to this meglomaniac.

 

[cobalt_27]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)Miserable sack of turd.

Clemens will be going in to the HOF with a "B" on his cap. As he should. He has no say in the matter.Clemens has pitched for 24 years, with 6 of them in NY. In terms of ERA+, those 6 years with the Yanks rank as his 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, and 23rd worst years. Only his rookie year (ERA+94) and two other mediocre years near the end of his tenure in Boston rank around the same.He was not a great pitcher for the Yankees. Not anywhere close to who he was with Boston, Toronto, or Houston.

Excellent. You can have him.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Clemens.

 

[Smizzy]

Roger went to the Pete Rose school of denial.

 

[dparker713]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

 

[redman]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

This argument makes no sense. The only way a guy being pressured by the U.S. Attorney's office is making up evidence is if he has no good evidence to offer. This isn't some felon claiming to have heard a jailhouse confession from another guy who will testify to that fact to get his sentence reduced. It's been clearly shown that he does have legit info. Throwing on more, false information on top of the good info does nothing to help him. Do you really think the U.S. Attorney's office was shining a light in his eyes and yelling at him, "You're not leaving this room until you give us Posada too!"

 

[dparker713]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

This argument makes no sense. The only way a guy being pressured by the U.S. Attorney's office is making up evidence is if he has no good evidence to offer. This isn't some felon claiming to have heard a jailhouse confession from another guy who will testify to that fact to get his sentence reduced. It's been clearly shown that he does have legit info. Throwing on more, false information on top of the good info does nothing to help him. Do you really think the U.S. Attorney's office was shining a light in his eyes and yelling at him, "You're not leaving this room until you give us Posada too!"

You really think its that hard to get a guy to agree to a leading question when he's already scared ####less? It is kinda an USA's job to get information out of reluctant people, and not all of that information is going to be true. Without an in person interview, its really hard to get a handle on the voracity of this guys statements. Its part of why depositions by themselves are generally inadmissible. Had the deposition gone something like I've laid out below, this guys details dont seem quite as remarkable. USA: So, did you sell steroids to Clemens?Trainer: Do I really have to roll over on the guys that I sold stuff too?USA: You answer all our questions or we revoke immunity and you go to jail for 20 years.Trainer: Yeah, a couple of timesUSA: What brands did you sell him?Trainer: I don't know, Winstrol I guess. USA: You guess or you know?Trainer: Winstrol and ___What really amazes me about all this is how mypoic people are. Has everyone already forgotten the Duke rape case? There was a huge mea culpa by the media following that case, but here they and everyone else wants blood the moment the accusation is made. People need to grow up and be a little less judgmental.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

This argument makes no sense. The only way a guy being pressured by the U.S. Attorney's office is making up evidence is if he has no good evidence to offer. This isn't some felon claiming to have heard a jailhouse confession from another guy who will testify to that fact to get his sentence reduced. It's been clearly shown that he does have legit info. Throwing on more, false information on top of the good info does nothing to help him. Do you really think the U.S. Attorney's office was shining a light in his eyes and yelling at him, "You're not leaving this room until you give us Posada too!"

You really think its that hard to get a guy to agree to a leading question when he's already scared ####less? It is kinda an USA's job to get information out of reluctant people, and not all of that information is going to be true. Without an in person interview, its really hard to get a handle on the voracity of this guys statements. Its part of why depositions by themselves are generally inadmissible. Had the deposition gone something like I've laid out below, this guys details dont seem quite as remarkable. USA: So, did you sell steroids to Clemens?Trainer: Do I really have to roll over on the guys that I sold stuff too?USA: You answer all our questions or we revoke immunity and you go to jail for 20 years.Trainer: Yeah, a couple of timesUSA: What brands did you sell him?Trainer: I don't know, Winstrol I guess. USA: You guess or you know?Trainer: Winstrol and ___What really amazes me about all this is how mypoic people are. Has everyone already forgotten the Duke rape case? There was a huge mea culpa by the media following that case, but here they and everyone else wants blood the moment the accusation is made. People need to grow up and be a little less judgmental.

I think you should read the Mitchell report, at least the part that pertains to Clemens, its only about 8 pages.I knew there had to be someone that thinks Clemens is still clean, I hope there aren't too many of you.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

What really amazes me about all this is how mypoic people are. Has everyone already forgotten the Duke rape case? There was a huge mea culpa by the media following that case, but here they and everyone else wants blood the moment the accusation is made. People need to grow up and be a little less judgmental.

Myopic?So McNamee was correct about Andy Pettite, since Pettite has alrady verified this, but he was blatantly making stuff up about Clemens, even though McNamee was threatened jail time if he made anything up? I think you are the myopic one.

 

[redman]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

This argument makes no sense. The only way a guy being pressured by the U.S. Attorney's office is making up evidence is if he has no good evidence to offer. This isn't some felon claiming to have heard a jailhouse confession from another guy who will testify to that fact to get his sentence reduced. It's been clearly shown that he does have legit info. Throwing on more, false information on top of the good info does nothing to help him. Do you really think the U.S. Attorney's office was shining a light in his eyes and yelling at him, "You're not leaving this room until you give us Posada too!"

You really think its that hard to get a guy to agree to a leading question when he's already scared ####less? It is kinda an USA's job to get information out of reluctant people, and not all of that information is going to be true. Without an in person interview, its really hard to get a handle on the voracity of this guys statements. Its part of why depositions by themselves are generally inadmissible. Had the deposition gone something like I've laid out below, this guys details dont seem quite as remarkable. USA: So, did you sell steroids to Clemens?Trainer: Do I really have to roll over on the guys that I sold stuff too?USA: You answer all our questions or we revoke immunity and you go to jail for 20 years.Trainer: Yeah, a couple of timesUSA: What brands did you sell him?Trainer: I don't know, Winstrol I guess. USA: You guess or you know?Trainer: Winstrol and ___What really amazes me about all this is how mypoic people are. Has everyone already forgotten the Duke rape case? There was a huge mea culpa by the media following that case, but here they and everyone else wants blood the moment the accusation is made. People need to grow up and be a little less judgmental.

Because Duke was typical. Where are you getting these leading questions from? You're making this up to justify your views. Anyway, you're watching too much TV, and you're also ignoring the high professionalism that Federal prosecutors take to their job relative to regular cops. If this guy really wanted to make a splash, where's A-Rod's name in all of this? You're underestimating how hard it is to simply lie to investigators who already have some background information on the subject, and overestimating this guy's incentive and need to lie under these circumstances.

 

[dparker713]

I am willing to buy him at face value right now, with the condition that if evidence comes to light to prove him wrong, he would agree to decline any invitations to the hall of fame.

So you're saying this guy, who Clemens brought in to the Yankees organization himself, decided to make up lies about Roger? The same guy whom other players have already come forward and confirmed his accounts. Please. Anyone whose been paying attention can see Roger shows all the signs of HGH use. He grew larger. Not his muscles, everything. His frame isn't close to what it was 10-15 years ago. I guess he found the fountain of youth and mysteriously had some of his best years at the end of his career...makes sense.

This guy was being pressured by the US Attorneys office. So yeah, everything he says is somewhat suspect, regardless of certain portions being confirmed. Its not like people have access to the actual deposition. Did Roger probably do these things? Yeah, but Im not about to treat this one guy as definitive proof. And considering there is an open government investigation involved, I don't expect a detailed statement from Clemens for some time. Its his lawyer's responsibility to research everything involved and prevent word one from being leaked until all the i's are dotted.

This argument makes no sense. The only way a guy being pressured by the U.S. Attorney's office is making up evidence is if he has no good evidence to offer. This isn't some felon claiming to have heard a jailhouse confession from another guy who will testify to that fact to get his sentence reduced. It's been clearly shown that he does have legit info. Throwing on more, false information on top of the good info does nothing to help him. Do you really think the U.S. Attorney's office was shining a light in his eyes and yelling at him, "You're not leaving this room until you give us Posada too!"

You really think its that hard to get a guy to agree to a leading question when he's already scared ####less? It is kinda an USA's job to get information out of reluctant people, and not all of that information is going to be true. Without an in person interview, its really hard to get a handle on the voracity of this guys statements. Its part of why depositions by themselves are generally inadmissible. Had the deposition gone something like I've laid out below, this guys details dont seem quite as remarkable. USA: So, did you sell steroids to Clemens?Trainer: Do I really have to roll over on the guys that I sold stuff too?USA: You answer all our questions or we revoke immunity and you go to jail for 20 years.Trainer: Yeah, a couple of timesUSA: What brands did you sell him?Trainer: I don't know, Winstrol I guess. USA: You guess or you know?Trainer: Winstrol and ___What really amazes me about all this is how mypoic people are. Has everyone already forgotten the Duke rape case? There was a huge mea culpa by the media following that case, but here they and everyone else wants blood the moment the accusation is made. People need to grow up and be a little less judgmental.

Because Duke was typical. Where are you getting these leading questions from? You're making this up to justify your views. Anyway, you're watching too much TV, and you're also ignoring the high professionalism that Federal prosecutors take to their job relative to regular cops. If this guy really wanted to make a splash, where's A-Rod's name in all of this? You're underestimating how hard it is to simply lie to investigators who already have some background information on the subject, and overestimating this guy's incentive and need to lie under these circumstances.

This isnt coming from TV, this is coming from experience with depositions and seeing plenty of people lie both during depositions and on the stand. I've read the Mitchell report. The evidence against Clemens isnt good for him, but its hardly airtight. As far as I know, ARod was never a client of this trainer, so of course the investigation is going to more naturally lead to Clemens. I think you're overestimating the ability of these investigators. As for USAs, they're generally good at their jobs, but they're rarely the best. Those people are in private practice and make a ton more money defending guys like Clemens.Im just not ready to bury Clemens yet. Im going to let things play out and see what his denial entails, as the Duke rape case may not be typical, but its hardly a rare occurance. Consider the fact that death sentence cases are the most scrutinized in the judical system, yet we know that we've sent to death people that are innocent of the charges against them.

 

[skillz]

I just like how he says he will talk about the allegations at an "appropriate time." What other time is more appropriate than now? His name, reputation is in the process of being tarnished so why not try to undo the damage as quick as possible.

I wish they would convene a grand jury against him and make his testify under oath as to whether he took steroids or not. I would be interested to hear whether his answer would as unequivocal under oath as it is in the press release given the potential perjury charge he would face if caught lying.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

Well, this is pretty direct language, he didn't dance around things and he didn't mince words. I'm inclined at this moment to afford him the benefit of the doubt. Lord knows the Mitchell report was less than definative, and it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that he was the great whale Mitchell wanted to bag.

I still have major suspicions, and unfortunately for him, contrary to any conventions of being innocent before proven guilty, I would like to see him initate a suit and open himself up to cross examation. If he comes through that, then its certainly something that has to carry weight.

 

[TitusIII]

Does he deserve the benefit of the doubt, considering the state of professional athletics at this point. The only thing we know for sure is that one of these guys is lying...

I think we all know who has the most to gain from lying, especially when there is no way for us to go back in time and watch BM stick a needle in his butt...just go away Roger...

 

[Liquid Tension]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)Miserable sack of turd.

Can I take the other side of this. While we all have the right to be cynical, the LA times had to retract an article about Clemens taking steroids/HGH as it was not accurate in the past and maybe just maybe we should have some more proof rather than the word of someone who has gain by calling people out.Nothing would surprise me, but Clemens is known as having the best work ethic of any pitcher in the game and he should get the benefit of the doubt until some real evidence is brought forward. it is not like they have his checks like others.Maybe he is lying? But if he isn't, then what?

 

[skillz]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)Miserable sack of turd.

Maybe he is lying? But if he isn't, then what?

If Clemens isn't lying, the unfortunate thing is that he will always be suspected of something he didn't do and have his career accomplishments tarnished because of the actions of others in the game. His name being in the Mitchell report will be something mentioned when he retires, and someday dies. His situation will really be no different than the whole did Shoeless Joe Jackson throw the World Series. His name and the allegation are always brought up in the same sentence now almost 100 years later. Some will believe his denials, others will not.It is this type of scenario that should make all the clean/innocent players tell the union to allow whatever kind of testing they can in order to clean the game up as much as possible. That way at least a player's honest accomplishments in the future will not be called into question (I understand that there can never be 100% certainty that a player did not cheat with some drug that cannot be detected by tests but at least the attempt to be proactive at catching cheaters will be more than the union's refusals to allow blood and other types of testing to this point). If there is truly a majority of players that are indeed clean then they shouldn't have a problem getting the union to follow through on their demands and agree to blood testing, etc.It will be interesting to see how Clemens responds on 60 Minutes in January. It would be great if Mike Wallace asked Clemens to sign an affidavit in which he swears under oath that he never took steroids, or any other performance enhancing drugs. That way he at least subjects himself to a potential perjury charge like Bonds if he is caught lying. The whole Youtube thing is just him reading from a script his lawyers wrote for him. It is a start but doesn't mean much to me. I would like to see Wallace get him out of his comfort zone a bit and ask him to testify to what he said on youtube by signing an affidavit where he gives sworn testimony. Wishful thinking, I know but it would be nice if Clemens was asked to do something different than regurgitate his youtube speech to Wallace and, if he is caught lying, he will not be subject to any criminal penalties (only public ridicule a la McGwire).

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I like the Clemens defense here, to be honest. Not that I believe him for a second. But, at least it's more interesting and provocative than parroting the Pettite-Roberts-Vina company line about helping his "rehab," which you'd have to be an utter buffoon to believe.

Clemons will carry that lie to his grave.

I hope he gets snubbed on the first HOF ballot. Those later Cy Youngs are utterly meaningless to me now.And, I hope he goes in with a Sox "B" on his bust when he does eventually get in. (Which he won't, I'm sure. He'll be immortalized as a Yankee cheater, I get that. But, one can only hope.)

Miserable sack of turd.

Maybe he is lying? But if he isn't, then what?

If Clemens isn't lying, the unfortunate thing is that he will always be suspected of something he didn't do and have his career accomplishments tarnished because of the actions of others in the game. His name being in the Mitchell report will be something mentioned when he retires, and someday dies. His situation will really be no different than the whole did Shoeless Joe Jackson throw the World Series. His name and the allegation are always brought up in the same sentence now almost 100 years later. Some will believe his denials, others will not.It is this type of scenario that should make all the clean/innocent players tell the union to allow whatever kind of testing they can in order to clean the game up as much as possible. That way at least a player's honest accomplishments in the future will not be called into question (I understand that there can never be 100% certainty that a player did not cheat with some drug that cannot be detected by tests but at least the attempt to be proactive at catching cheaters will be more than the union's refusals to allow blood and other types of testing to this point). If there is truly a majority of players that are indeed clean then they shouldn't have a problem getting the union to follow through on their demands and agree to blood testing, etc.

It will be interesting to see how Clemens responds on 60 Minutes in January. It would be great if Mike Wallace asked Clemens to sign an affidavit in which he swears under oath that he never took steroids, or any other performance enhancing drugs. That way he at least subjects himself to a potential perjury charge like Bonds if he is caught lying. The whole Youtube thing is just him reading from a script his lawyers wrote for him. It is a start but doesn't mean much to me. I would like to see Wallace get him out of his comfort zone a bit and ask him to testify to what he said on youtube by signing an affidavit where he gives sworn testimony. Wishful thinking, I know but it would be nice if Clemens was asked to do something different than regurgitate his youtube speech to Wallace and, if he is caught lying, he will not be subject to any criminal penalties (only public ridicule a la McGwire).

Very The point that is lost in the shuffle of this, and if there was really a mass vigilance, this would be the end game of players and would engender enormous good will with the fans.

Its a tenuous political situation right now. I think players, such that they can be "labor", are always favored in debates with "management", but the tide right now seems to be with the owners, who while being very slow on the draw, are taking measures to clean up the game. There is blood on their hands though, they let this get out of hand, but they seem to be the only ones serious about straightening it out. If players took that initative, they would regain public favor quickly.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Amusing that all the players named by the supplier / injector Brian McNamee

have admitted that McNamee is telling the truth......

except Clemens.

What a farce, Clemens is caught and now instead of being a man,

he's trying to weasel out of it.

Tarnished career.

.

 

[Koya]

Considering there have been MAYBE a handful of players that have EVER really come out against steroids and been willing to consider real testing and real punishments, I have ZERO sympathy for any star who is accused... even if they are wrongly accused. As they say, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Now, Roger took them, don't get me wrong. But even if he didnt, he is STILL responsible for being one of the many who continued to be ok with a system rampant with cheating and no checks to ensure a level playing field. If a player came out years ago to actually clean up the sport, that would be one thing. But by at the least sitting back and allowing it to happen, you can not make yourself immune from the accusations cast.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

I love how Clemens had to have that Rocket 300 serving as a backdrop to his video. That just about says it all. That's Roger, all about the stats, all about the glory.

When I look at him, I just see a shallow, vacant person who has no soul.

I don't doubt that he will carry this lie to the grave, he won't admit it, the Hall of Fame completes him and he will never let that be jeopardized. He thinks he is above the law and is entitled. I can only hope that more damning evidence comes out against him and I would love to see him testify under oath, although I don't doubt he will lie there as well.

 

[Koya]

One thing that can be said about the Clemens approach - he better actually clear his name, because if the evidence comes out more and more against him, considering his approach he may be blackballed not only from first ballot, but from the hall, period.

 

[dparker713]

For all the people saying Roger should have to testify under oath, don't you think there are better uses of our limited judicial resources? This isnt a national crisis, there is no need to Congress or the courts to get involved. Listen to everything said and come to your own conclusions, but dont waste a court's time.

 

[Angry Beavers]

Sure there are better uses of our judicial system, but that is not the question. If Roger truly did not nothing, why not sue MLB, Mitchell, McNamee and anyone else he can find for slander? Until then, or unless he swears under oath, I don't believe Roger and think he is guilty as all heck.

 

[Statorama]

If Roger truly did not nothing, why not sue MLB, Mitchell, McNamee and anyone else he can find for slander?

If nothing else, sue that Brian McTrainer guy.

 

[dparker713]

If Roger truly did not nothing, why not sue MLB, Mitchell, McNamee and anyone else he can find for slander?

If nothing else, sue that Brian McTrainer guy.

Well, the point of suing is generally to win. In this case, thats an impossibility. Not only does he need to prove a negative, but he also needs to prove that the lies were told with the intention of harming him - and its not McNamee that he'd need to prove tried to harm him, its Mitchell. There is just no way he can win. So, the lawsuit would cost him millions and he'd get no further than he said he said. Do you really value the opinion of 12 people too dumb to get out of jury duty over your own impressions?

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

If Roger truly did not nothing, why not sue MLB, Mitchell, McNamee and anyone else he can find for slander?

If nothing else, sue that Brian McTrainer guy.

Well, the point of suing is generally to win. In this case, thats an impossibility. Not only does he need to prove a negative, but he also needs to prove that the lies were told with the intention of harming him - and its not McNamee that he'd need to prove tried to harm him, its Mitchell. There is just no way he can win. So, the lawsuit would cost him millions and he'd get no further than he said he said. Do you really value the opinion of 12 people too dumb to get out of jury duty over your own impressions?

I think it would be interesting to make McManee testify to his accusations under oath. I would tend to believe he is legit and would have no problem doing so, but if Clemens has any intention of appearing serious in this fight, its a gambit he has to play.