[Updated at 5:49 p.m.]Â Roger Clemens has released the following via Twitter:
"I never took HGH or Steroids. And I did not lie to Congress. I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial. I appreciate all the support I have been getting. I am happy to finally have my day in court."
[Posted at 2:23 p.m.] Major league pitcher Roger Clemens was indicted for obstruction of Congress and other charges Thursday related to statements he made to a congressional committee in 2008.
The charges stem from a 2008 appearance by Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In their sworn testimony, the two contradicted each other, with Clemens denying that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
McNamee's testimony, as well as a report by former Sen. George Mitchell, stated that Clemens had in fact used banned substances at points in his career.
Clemens has not pitched since 2007. He had a stellar career playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and New York Yankees. He was the first pitcher to win seven Cy Young awards. Clemens posted a record of 354-184 over 24 seasons.
SI.com: How Clemens will defend himself against perjury charge
SI.com video: Clemens indicted
SI. com photo gallery: Clemens through the years
SI.com photo gallery: Clemens on Capitol Hill
SI.com photo gallery: Sports figures who were prosecuted by the feds
WHERE WAS ALL THE SYMPATHY FOR BARRY BONDS. AREN'T THEY BOTH INDICTED FOR THE SAME THING?
Can we just forget about boring baseball
Were charges brought against the tobacco CEOs who lied to congress?
This is the ultimate witch hunt. He took the steroids when they were not banned in MLB. There were no rules to taking and not taking steroids. Frank Mitchell should go back to retirement. His only impact on history will be negative. Go convict Blago or somebody else that committed a real crime.
Did Brian McNamee receive any special treatment or government protection after he said Clemens did this, did that, did bad things ???? I believe the answer to that question is YES
Leave him alone, he's finished anyway.
Goodness gracious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUkcjAtzzcI
This is absolute hypocrisy. The Oil company executives testified before congress and they lied – nobody got indicted. The Tobbacco company executives testified before Congress and lied – nobody was indicted. For those who think this is just a Justice Department driven issue – you need to see the TV interviews of the Chairman of the Committee Edolphus Towns gloating over this. Of course, he is also running for his Congressional Seat (15th Term). Can anyone spell TERM LIMITS. The Justice Department needs to step back and either enforce the laws impartially or fold their tent and get out of town on the next train.
congress is a joke and so is the steroid issue in pro baseball. i just can't understand why roger is taking the heat when there have been so many players juicing up preceding him – and countless more to come. yeah he's an idiot for blatantly lying to congress but let's be real. skip all the crap, collect roger's cash, and move on to a more serious issue. folks can say all they want about roger, steroids, or purgery but the main issue is the amount of resources our gov't is throwing away while they grind this all out.
i guess i shouldn't be THAT surprised. i mean, when was the last time congress did anything beside pi$$ our tax dollars away? HA
Why did they need Clemens testimony to declare a steroid abuse epidemic. What a joke? These "idols" were damned if they did or didn't admit abuse. MLB put players in the position to compete by enhancing performance with steroids. It was all in the name of "entertainment". To prosecute only the top stars is not equal justice but it may satisfy the blood thirsty masses that watch TMZ. People keep your eye out on real injustice and criminal activity. To persecute somebody for white lies is just ridiculous.
What a waste of time and money. This country is turning into one big Joke after another. People will rat out their own mothers too avoid spending one day in Jail. Nobody has integrity, its a rat invested world. I bet you they offered Clemens a free pass if he admitted his guilt And if he Rats out his buddies. Roger Clemens too me is a stand up Guy, guilty or not.
Seems ironic the biggest liars on the planet CONGRESS accusing someone of lying to them
Lying daily to the American Public is OK for CONGRESS
Lie and steal as a Congressman and you just are just asked to leave with great retirement
and lifetime healthcare
Why is our national government involved in a private sports? I mean if he did use illegal steroids, can't the local state judicial system handle this? Geez this is getting outta proportion, and how long has this been going on for now? a decade?? well guess someone is going to be made an example of...
This guy has lied all his life. I remember him when we were in middle school together in Vandalia, Ohio–a town he never mentions but he did live in for some time. He was chubby and stoned every day. Bet he would deny this as well.
In the end, we all get what we deserve.
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