Clemens, the All-Star pitcher and seven-time Cy Young Award winner, maintains he has never used steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. His former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, claims otherwise, testifying that he injected Clemens with human growth hormones and steroids at least 16 to 21 times from 1998 to 2001.
In order for the FBI to investigate Clemens, or anyone for that matter, the FBI feels: 1) They are certain Clemens is lying and 2) They are certain they can gather enough information to nail Clemens.
FBI agents in Washington opened the case a little more than two weeks after both Clemens and McNamee appeared at the same House hearing on Feb. 13, each accusing the other of lying.
"The request to open an investigation on the congressional testimony of Roger Clemens has been turned over to the FBI and will receive appropriate investigative action by the Washington Field Office," said FBI spokeswoman Debra Weierman.
The inquiry came on the heels of a request Wednesday from the House Oversight Committee, could result in perjury or obstruction of justice charges against Clemens. Lawmakers did not ask for a similar investigation of McNamee.
In a statement, Clemens' lead attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the FBI probe did not come as a surprise.
"We've always expected they would open an investigation. They attended the Congressional hearing. So, what's new?" Hardin said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Roger Clemens' 10-year personal services contract with the Houston Astros could be affected by the FBI's investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids.
Astros owner Drayton McLane said Thursday he might re-evaluate the deal -- which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires -- in light of Clemens' legal issues.
"We'll just have to see what happens," McLane said. "You're just putting supposition into it and we'll just have to wait and see what develops."
McLane said he's also evaluating whether Clemens will continue working with the team's minor leaguers, which he has done the past two days.
"That makes it more complex, it sure does," McLane said, speaking before the FBI announced the inquiry. "We'll just have to look at that and see what transpires. We'll have to evaluate it at the time."
1 comment:
I think it is a matter of time - the key now is basically whether the FBI can gather sound evidence to prove he's lying. It was pretty silly of him to do that if it was true - sure, his record might have been tainted then, but it's at least better than spending time in jail.
Btw, I was wondering if you would like to do an exchange? I have included your site on mine as one to read, hope you would be gracious enough to do the same. I'd appreciate it greatly. Cheers!
Post a Comment