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Roger Clemens is guilty of taking steroids. That’s Brian McNamee’s story and he’s sticking to it…for now...

Roger Clemens Stumbles through Congressional Hearings in D.C.

by Pat Murray (Contributor)

14

4,471 reads

Sports

February 15, 2008


Roger Clemens is guilty of taking steroids. 

That’s Brian McNamee’s story and he’s sticking to it…for now.

For nearly five hours, Clemens and McNamee were bombarded before Cogress with questions aimed at their respective credibilities.   McNamee’s brief, unclear answers raised eyebrows, while Clemens occasionally fumbled his words. 

Each of the Representatives used at least their allotted five minutes to question Clemens and McNamee, with most surpassing the time limit to make their points.  Politics looked to play a crucial roll in questioning.  Most Republicans seemed to sympathize with Clemens, while the Democrats' interrogations were very harsh.

It's clear that McNamee has lied about his accounts of events in locker rooms and in training sessions.  Still, Clemens is the one with the cards stacked against him. 

McNamee has hard evidence in the form of blood-stained syringes used in injecting Clemens. “The Rocket” has admitted to being injected by McNamee, but with B-12 vitamin shots only.

Longtime friend and teammate, Andy Pettitte came clean, admitting he used human growth hormone (HGH) to recover more quickly from a mid-season injury.  He has also gone on record saying that Clemens was also guilty of using HGH, doing away with Clemens' last shred of credibility.

Although Pettitte received praise for admitting his guilt right away, the fact is he's still guilty. 

As if being accused by the two athletes closest you isn’t enough, Roger’s wife, Debbie Clemens, has also admitted to receiving shots of HGH obtained through McNamee.

Still, through all of this, Clemens has maintained his innocence. 

“It’s hard to believe you, sir,” said Rep. of Maryland Elijah Cummings.  “I hate to say that.  You’re one of my heroes, but it’s hard to believe.”

It is indeed hard to believe. 

For the seven-time Cy Young Award winner to prove his innocence, he will have to explain just why Pettitte would lie to Congress in a statement attesting to Clemens' use of HGH, which he was unable to do Wednesday afternoon.

The testimony of the Clemens’ family nanny will also stir the pot.  She allegedly was involved in the visit to Jose Canseco’s home in Florida where it is believed that steroids usage was discussed.  It is also believed that Clemens may have tampered with this witness, meeting with her prior to his hearing. 

It was clear that McNamee faced more scrutiny in front of Congress, even being called a “drug dealer” by Connecticut Republican, Christopher Shays.

Throughout the afternoon, the hearings were generally respectful until Rep. Shays took a shot at McNamee, which Chairman Henry Waxman later apologized for. 

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14 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Brian Sanborn about 1 year ago

    Great stuff Patrick! And I agree, a a longtime Yankee fans and a supporter of Clemens, I would rather see him just come clean already.

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  2. dogon priest about 1 year ago

    and he (Waxman) is wasting my tax dollars on HGH....aint that a bomber or an iceberg?

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  3. Dong Duchon about 1 year ago

    You got it backwards on the political parties. The Republicans were more supportive of Clemens, the Dems more supportive of Mcnamee.

    You also misrepresented Petitte's comments. He said Clemens admitted to using HGH; he never said he saw Roger use it or had other proof. In other words he did not say "Roger's guilty" he said "Roger said he's guilty"

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  4. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    i'm glad all the problems of the country are now solved so congress can focus on this noise...what a waste

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  5. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    I think Roger has bigger goals for his inflated ego. Congressman Clemens R-Katy. Then he can hold hearings on why he should be in the Hall of Fame.

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  6. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Clemens is innocent until - proven - guitly. Show me the proof. His word against someone who cut a deal to get out of jail for 15 years. Clemens was part of the bargain.

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  7. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Dogon, this issue is more about your tax dallors. If you really cared about your tax $$$ you would be ranting and raving about Iraq. The issue is important because Base ball is suppose to be American's favorite pastime. It is important because children, teenagers, and those that aspire to be major leaguers are watching. it is important because Barry Bonds is being prosecuted for the same thing. It is the Republicans that are attempting to cover up for Roger because he is a Texan right wing idealogue and a friend of Bush. They share the same level of intelligence. The heck with your tax dallors; is that the best you can do?

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  8. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Good job Mr. Murry --- And your final comment is exactly what the man needs to do, admit it and quit the charade/soap opera stuff.

    Jack Powell
    Missouri

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  9. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    Anonymous, all of the countries problems will never be solved. Does this mean that unless you agree, it is a waste. Why don't you people come clean. Hell, if they Bunkers were still in countrol holding hearings on Barry Bonds, you would be arguing it's best for the sport and the nation. Get serious.

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  10. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    A few questions about why Mrs Clemens would even consider going to MacNamee for HGH should pretty well wrap it up.

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  11. Anonymous about 1 year ago

    stop wasting our time. if roger looks like olga corbett in a couple of years we'll know who was lying.

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  12. John Fennelly about 1 year ago

    I've been lied to a lot in my life - mostly be women, though.

    This hearing brought back a lot of those fond memories....

    "I wasn't with someone else tonight, I swear..!"

    "Oh. so I guess you left the house today with you panties on backwards then..!"

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  13. Larry Timpe about 1 year ago

    Henry Waxman is both a mental and physical midget --perhaps he shouod try some HGH. MCNamee and his diploma-mill PhD is nothing more than a liar. He openly admitted it to several questions directed his way. I wouldn't believe him if he told me the sky is blue. With his proclivity for not telling the truth and for shading the truth, he should join the Hillary campaign.

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  14. Hao Chink about 1 year ago

    Actually the Republicans sympathized with Clemens and the Democrats tore him a new one, otherwise great article!

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