I really thought I was missing something when I heard that Roger Clemens and his former trainer Brian McNamee were going to have to go before a congressional hearing.
I have never understood what business the government has in leading the investigation into steroids in baseball. My confusion only became more pronounced when I saw the embarrassing parade of inappropriate comments and questions supplied by many congressional members.
From one congressman calling Roger Clemens his “hero”, to another joking with the Rocket about what team he’ll wear into the Hall of Fame.
Aren’t there more pressing issues like health care these people should be dealing with? I was relieved to hear my thoughts echoed by a select few of the congressional representatives who prefaced their questions by admitting they didn’t know why they were even involved in this process. That they in fact did have more pressing issues and problems to be tackling for the American people. Thank you!
Whether or not I think the American government should be involved in this process, I have to admit I found the proceedings fascinating. While some may say it exposed Clemens as a liar, I was amazed at his resolve. I couldn’t believe the arrogance of this man who under oath stood behind his statements that he has never taken HGH or steroids, never once wavering. Not even when his best friend Andy Pettitte admitted to taking HGH or when it came to light Clemens was aware his own wife had taken HGH! And even when his best friend threw him under the bus. Clemens did not crack.
While the whole hearing seemed ridiculous, it got a few of us in the newsroom talking about whether the Canadian government would ever get involved in something similar.
The answer is yes.
Our equivalent being the Dubin Inquiry launched by the federal government after the Ben Johnson drug scandal of the 1988 Olympic games in Seoul.
At least it can be argued that the Dubin Inquiry helped set new standards for anti-doping measures in amateur sport. It remains to be seen what the Mitchell Report will do for pro-sports and baseball.
Hi Martine,
I must take issue with your statement, “Liar or not…” If he is lying, he is not to be admired, he is to be pitied for his denial. This behaviour indicates to me that he needs help, emotionally. Admiration is not appropriate, in my opinion.
If he is telling the truth, I’m still not sure that admiration is the way to go. Clemens still comes across as arrogant, and that is a reputation which he cultivated over his whole career. Even in innocence, he lacks humility, and we know what a tragic flaw excessive pride can be. Thanks.
Scooter
scooter10 |
7:45 AM, Thursday February 14, 2008
McNamee is a moron. The guy is trying to ride the coattails of the Rocket’s success for a quick buck. I don’t know how anybody can consider this guy credible. One of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game and people are slagging his name because of this goof. McNamee has yet to produce any solid evidence, only hearsay. And syringes kept in a BEER BOTTLE?!?!?! Come on! This guy is a joke and nobody should pay attention. Also Martine you make a good point about the politicials. I do believe that baseball should be doing more to prevent the use of steroids by the players in the game, but politicians should stay out of it, seeing as they SHOULD have better things to do (a la health care and the well being of it’s people and the nation). Barring that, this whole process is a joke.
PearlDan |
10:11 AM, Thursday February 14, 2008
So you deem it to be a noble characteristic when a person, quite possibly lying, “sticks to his story and doesn’t crack”. Wow, hearing this from a sports “journalist”, I’d like to watch you watching Raphael Palmero’s testimony whereby by he – wait for it Martine – looked right into the camera and then to congressional members and, and, and – brace yourself Martine – POINTED at them and said “I did not take steroids!”. Of course there was the minor detail that he was later proven to be lying, but hell ya, “he didn’t crack… he showed resolve.” I dunno.
Step aside and let Stephen Brunt, Jeff Blair and Bob McCowan take it from here.
Maxie |
12:26 PM, Thursday February 14, 2008
“And even when his best friend threw him under the bus. Clemens did not crack.”
Who threw who under the bus?
Clemens threw Petite under the bus for not owning up to his actions like a man.
He forced his “friend” to either lie under oath and risk jail time or tell the truth and expose Clemens. That’s not a friend, that’s not someone with integrity. That’s a weasel who threw anybody he could think of under the bus to protect his bloated ego.
How can anybody respect Clemens after this? There is nothing to respect. Oh Sorry he won 300 games so all of a sudden he’s a great person. That’s a moronic statement at best. The fact he is a good pitcher has absolutely nothing to do with integrity or honesty of the MAN, all that says is he’s a good pitcher, nothing more.
Clemens is worse than Bonds. At least Bonds didn’t try and take everybody he knows down with him. I’m surprised he didn’t try and blame anything on his kids, he blamed everybody else for his use of steroids. He’s a weasel with no integrity.
fkneh |
1:00 PM, Thursday February 14, 2008
Man oh man!!!Where’s your head??You’re absolutely right about the politicians and this whole thing is a joke!!But come on McNamee is smoking on this! Andy has nailed his good old friend Rocket to his cross!!Plus the Nanny factor!!Roger is in a whole world of trouble now!!!It’s really too bad cause he was my idol growing up with the bosox!!!
PumpkinHead |
2:06 PM, Thursday February 14, 2008
Only lie if you can prevent more lies. This man is digging himself a hole. But he has millions so will probably get away with perjury. All I can say is what a moron.
CanadianEH |
3:42 PM, Thursday February 14, 2008
PearlDan:
Your comments intrigue me.
You ask how anyone can consider McNamee credible, but the very same question can be asked about Clemens.
You state that McNamee has failed to provide any solid evidince. DNA evidence on a needle that once contained HGH is about as concrete as you can get when it comes to evidence. Was it a sleezy thing to do on McNamee’s part to keep this evidence? Absolutley — but that doesn’t change the fact that it is evidence. DNA evidence is ‘solid’ enough to lock up murderers — it’s surely solid enough to prove guilt in this instance.
There is the fact that McNamee told the Mitchell Report that he injected Pettite and Knoblauch — both of which have since admitted this to be true. What reason does McNamee have to lie about a 3rd person?
I know it’s hard to believe that one of the best pitchers and idol to kids everywhere could have quite possibly cheated his way to the top — but I think you need to look at the evidence. Being a good pitcher doesn’t instantly make you credible.
LaCarriere |
5:05 PM, Friday February 15, 2008
I do not know who’s reasons are worse. Clemons and the trainer or Zaun and the open cheque. I will go with Zaun’s excuse. Take a look at why he is still baseball. A career 180 hitter and now a 287 hitter with occational power. Too bad the arm is still weak. Come clean Greg!!!
FLAMEKICKOIL |
1:22 AM, Saturday February 16, 2008