Roger Clemens to be arraigned Monday
Retired baseball pitching star Roger Clemens will be arraigned on Monday on charges he lied to the Congress about his use of performance enhancing drugs.
Clemens, who has continually denied using drugs to boost his performance and give him a competitive edge by using human growth hormones or steroids, was indicted last week on six counts of making false statements, perjury and obstruction of Congress.
If found guilty, Clemens faces a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, though under U.S. sentencing guidelines, the recommended range of time is between 15 and 21 months.
U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton set the arraignment and it is expected that Clemens, 48, will plead not guilty and Walton will set a schedule for the case.
Clemens’ attorney, Rusty Hardin, said federal prosecutors offered a plea agreement, but that his client rejected the offer adding that Clemens denies lying to Congress. His lawyer declined to comment on specific details of the proposed plea. It would appear that Clemens is willing to go the distance on this one.
"I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial," Clemens tweeted.
Brian McNamee, Clemens former trainer, testified that he had personally injected Clemens, while Clemens denied using steroids or HGH.
"Let me be clear. I have never taken steroids or HGH," Clemens said under oath.
When Clemens is arraigned today, it will begin a process of Clemens either clearing his name from unjust charges or mark him forever as a liar and a cheater.
It would be a huge blow to Major League Baseball to have an all-time great such as Clemens along with his illustrious 24-year career with four MLB teams, be considered as a cheat and have an asterisk next his milestones.
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