Roger Clemens was undoubtedly one of the greatest pitchers ever to play for the Boston Red Sox, and is one of the game's greatest statistically. On Wednesday, the very same man will stand trial for perjury charges at the U.S. District Court.
Clemens brought this case on himself after testifying in front of Congress members back in 2008 in their investigation into illegal drug use in baseball. However, Clemens wanted to defend himself and uttered those now famous words.
Clemens said under oath that he never used PEDs -- "Let me be clear. I have never taken steroids or HGH" -- and he listened as McNamee told the committee that he had. (via ESPN)
Brian McNamee, Clemens' former trainer, presented a believable case that he had injected Clemens with performance enhancing drugs, ultimately resulting in Clemens receiving a federal indictment on August 19, 2010.
The trial will pit two veteran government prosecutors known for their stoic, workmanlike manner against colorful Texas legend Rusty Hardin. It will be the word of McNamee, the government's crucial but maligned witness, backed by Andy Pettitte, Clemens' former teammate and friend, against Clemens. Watching over it all will be Judge Reggie Walton, a veteran jurist with a reputation for running a fair trial but issuing harsh sentences. (via ESPN)
If convicted, Clemens could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $1.5 million.
Clemens played for the Boston Red Sox from 1984 to 1996, posting a 192-11 record with a 3.06 ERA, 2,590 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP in 13 seasons. Clemens finished his career with a 354-184 record, a 3.12 career ERA and 4,672 strikeouts in 24 seasons.