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Clemens Interview is Must See TV

Jan 4, 2008

This should be good viewing with Roger Clemens and Mike Wallace on Sunday evening on WRAL. The Rocket allegedly will talk in depth about the allegations raised by former clubhouse attendant Brian McNamee that he used performance enhancing drugs to cheat the game. Of course, Wallace will ask the tough questions as has been his style for his entire career, won't he? This is a telling interview on many levels.

On one level, it's a finger pointing exercise with Clemens denying ever touching the fuel that could have him statistically doing things on the mound that no 40-plus pitcher in the history of the game has been able to do.

Secondly, his denials are pointing the finger of blame on several individuals but namely McNamee and George Mitchell, who of course was the lead on the investigative Mitchell report. Bear in mind that McNamee was under oath during his testimony and Mitchell is a former federal judge who should understand the ways of the legal system. I don't believe the Mitchell Report is as far reaching and implicating as it could have been, but there is no doubt that the report is littered with accuracies. Clemens teammate, Andy Pettitte, has already admitted his previous use of performance enhancers. Other players named in the report have also admitted their guilt. So Roger, I ask you this: Why are other players stories holding true thus far to the Mitchell Report and your story is a fishtail? Why is one of your best friends, Pettitte, coming out quickly and admitting his wrongdoing while you have denied any involvement? I sure hope you can prove it by my suspicion is that your spin has already started.

You've now come out and admitted that the only shots you had taken from McNamee were of the Lidocaine and B-12 variety. What were you thinking? Last I took a shot it was from trained and certified medical personnel. Why would an athlete and multi-millionaire of your caliber be screwing with a clubhouse attendant to inject him with that stuff.? You think people around that clubhouse believe you? If they do, they're just as foolish as you are.

Folks, does this smell of the clear and cream ala Barry Bonds? You know that's coming next from the spin doctors. Roger will continue to state his case but under the header of, "I had no idea that the Lidocaine and B-12 were laced."

Understand this Mr. Anyone who thinks I'm a Yankee Hater. This isn't about the team Roger played for and has not one iota of anything to do with that. Roger was an idol to millions who loved the game and who drooled at watching the greatest pitcher of my generation. Unless he has firm evidence that can prove his innocence, my suspicion won't go away. If we were in a criminal court of law and I was on the jury , I would think about proving this case beyond a reasonable doubt. I want to believe Roger just like I wanted to believe Marion Jones and Barry Bonds.

Unfortunately for Roger and as much of his innocence he proclaims, the facts aren't adding up. The doubt is very much reasonable.