Former Major League Baseball (MLB) star Roger Clemens testified before the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee regarding his alleged use of steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) in 2008, now, a federal grand jury has indicted him on perjury, obstruction of Congress and false statement charges.
During his 2008 appearance before Congress, Clemens adamantly denied allegations that he used steroids and HGH. Despite testimony from his former trainer, Brian McNamee, and a report by former Sen. George Mitchell that alluded to Clemens using banned substances at points in his career, the 7-time Cy Young winner stood his ground and repeatedly refused ever using banned substances, a stance Clemens still stands by today.
“I never took HGH or steroids. And I did not lie to Congress,” Clemens said in a statement posted on the website Twitter. “I look forward to challenging the government’s 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.”
Clemens’ lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said Thursday it was only a matter of time the indictment materialized and that Clemens new it was coming.
“Roger has known from the very beginning that if he chose to publicly deny the accusations in the Mitchell report, that this day would come,” Hardin said.
Clemens retired from baseball in 2007 after 24 years of playing for the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees. He is arguably one of the best pitchers in MLB history, being the first to win seven Cy Young awards.