Clemens: Legend of the Fall or Fall of the Legend?

With apologies to Mr. Pitt, Mr. Hopkins, and Mr. Quinn, a new figure has taken over this now infamous movie title. A true legend of the sport has now been tainted forever. He has no one to blame but himself.



Let's take a look at the very basics of this debacle...





The government's witness: Brian McNamee

He's one of the key figures behind the Mitchell Report. He was originally linked to the Mets trainer whom investigators found in their preliminary investigations. Sen. Mitchell and other law enforcement officials found him to be credible. Admissions of guilt by Andy Pettite and Chuck Knoblauch add additional credibility. After the hearings were over, the House Committee also released reports showing McNamee contacted Clemens and Pettite's representatives in an attempt to warn them before the Mitchell Report was released. If he were truly attempting to railroad Clemens, why would he warn him? This also feeds into the theory that McNamee has no motive for lying. If he told the truth, he wouldn't go to jail.

The McNamee doubters have a number of issues. First, he lied about his involvement in a date rape case. He also performed a number of dishonest acts including lying about a PHd, using Clemens likeness in advertisements, and even "stealing" Clemens workout regimen as his own. He also kept needles in a beer can and other items for a number of years and kept them from authorities. He's obviously not the most credible witness and you certainly wouldn't want him dating your daughter.

The bottom line is that the feds consider him to be credible. His story was backed up by at least 2 witnesses. Reports confirm that he tried to warn Clemens. Once Clemens taped their last phone conversation and was clearly throwing him under the bus, it upset McNamee. That's when McNamee introduced the needles he kept as evidence. Being a former policeman, he knew having evidence may come in handy for just such an occassion. That's actually smart, not creepy.
His quote that will be played in infamy: "I told the investigators I injected three people -- two of whom I know confirmed my account. The third is sitting at this table."

Despite being what most consider a sleazy person, he did own up to the responsibility of his actions. He stated his was both wrong and sorry for his affect to the integrity of the sport.



The Nail in the Coffin: Andy Pettite

He turned out to be Clemens worst nightmare. Not only did he backup McNamee's claims of injecting HGH, he also recalled multiple instances where Clemens told him he took steroids. Pettite's wife also recalled her husband's recounts of those instances. His 103 page deposition leaves little doubt about his recollections. Further, he recounts that both Clemens and McNamee BOTH told him about Clemens steroid usage. Clemens also admitted under oath that he thought Pettite was credible.




The Clemens Approach:

Clemens seemed to be undaunted during the entire process. But he may have adopted the George Costanza "it isn't a lie if you believe it" approach. There were many troubling actions and statements made by him.

Why 20+ Congressmen agreed to meet with Clemens in the first place is one issue. It's simply inappropriate. Taking photographs with staffers and providing autographs further muddies the waters. It obviously worked on a few members of the committee.

Clemens never took responsibility for anything. Nothing. Is he that dillusional?

He stated on his 60 Minutes interview (with buddy Mike Wallace) that his attorneys told him not to speak with Mitchell and his investigators. During the hearing he blamed his agents for not telling him they were contacted and saying he was easy to find.

He said Pettite misunderstood him taking HGH for his wife back in 1999 or 2000. But Debbie Clemens was injected in 2003, so that wasn't possible.

Inviting his former nanny to his home before she spoke with investigators raises a huge red flag. They hadn't spoken in 7 years, so why all of a sudden?

He blamed his B-12 shots on his mother, and that he was "trusting to a fault" in retaining McNamee after his trangressions. Couldn't be a lapse in judgement. Nah. He knew exactly who McNamee was and what he was all about.

According to the House Committee Report, when Clemens was first warned by McNamee, his lawyers wanted to know if there was any cash, receipt, or other evidence that could link Clemens to steroids. Why would they ask those specific questions if Clemens has never taken anything? There wouldn't be any evidence if he was clean.


Nannygate:

This had lots of play but really had nothing to do with the case. It was really an attempt for Clemens team to discredit McNamee as a witness. It backfired. Not only did McNamee provide details, it also called into question Clemens asking her to his home after a 7 year gap.


It really doesn't matter if Clemens and Canseco discussed steroids specifically there. They were golf buddies and hung around off the diamond. Canseco called himself the "Chemist" in those days. Clemens family and Nanny stayed at his house that night. They were obviously tight at that time. The subject of steroids most certainly came up.



Elected Officials: Welcome to Palookaville

How embarassing was that collection of buffoons? We can give credit to some, but overall that was a scary selection of folks. Not too bright, unprepared, and some too starry eyed to ask a relevant question. It also seemed that there was a division among Democrats (against Clemens)& Republicans (for Clemens). That is a fundamental flaw... Yikes.

While we can certainly debate the need for the hearing in the first place, Clemens team insisted on having it. Waxman clearly stated he would rather not use the Committee's time on this matter.

Most people had their mind made up before the hearing began. It was painfully clear what some had as opinions especially towards McNamee. Dan Burton from Indiana must have just taken his "Grandstanding 101" class at the local junior college. King of the buffoons.


The Fallout:

Will Clemens go to jail for perjury? That's the million dollar question. It may be a while before we find out. It certainly seems like there will be further investigation. Based on some of the contradictions he's made it seems like a sure thing. Will they be able to convict him of perjury? Good chance.

The investigators from BALCO have also gotten their hands on those needles from McNamee. While that evidence may be tainted and unusable in court, positive tests may cause them to dig deeper.

Clemens should have kept his mouth shut. His legacy has been tainted forever & the damage is unrepairable. He didn't keep his story straight in this forum and it may come back to haunt him.

The one time first ballot Hall of Famer may not get in. He had the opportunity to be the first uninamous first ballot candidate. It's a shame. It also extended that black cloud hanging over an entire era of baseball. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Once opposite ends of the spectrum and now linked forever. Two of the best to ever play the game are the newest entrants to the Hall of Shame...