Roger Clemens’ defense against allegations he used steroids took the next step today with the disgraced pitcher issuing a video statement on his personal Web site.
Clemens has stayed out of the spotlight since the Mitchell Report was released two weeks ago, letting his attorney do the speaking, but today the Yankees pitcher appeared in a one-minute, 48-second video to deny he ever used steroids.
“Let me be clear: The answer is no, I did not use steroids, human growth hormone, and I’ve never done so,” Clemens said. “I did not provide Brian McNamee with any drugs to inject into my body. Brian McNamee did not inject steroids or human growth hormone into my body, either when I played in Toronto for the Blue Jays, or the New York Yankees. This report is simply not true.”
McNamee, Clemens’ former trainer, told former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell he personally injected Clemens with steroids and HGH. He did so under an agreement with federal authorities that they would not pursue criminal prosecution against him if he was truthful with Mitchell.
Clemens said in the video he will do an interview with Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes” to answer questions about the Mitchell Report. He said the interview will take place after Christmas.
“Over the last 15 days, it’s been extremely difficult, for my family, my children, my extended family,” Clemens said. “I’m holding up better than they are. I’m almost numb to some of these suggestions that I used steroids. It’s amazing to me that I’m going to lengths that I’m going to have to defend myself.”
Clemens received a small measure of vindication last week when a 2006 Los Angeles Times report linking him to steroids was discredited. His name did not appear in an affidavit filed by a federal agent in relation to Jason Grimsley, contradicting the paper’s report.
“I faced this last year when the LA Times reported that I used steroids. I said it was not true then. Now, the whole world knows it’s not true now that that’s come out.
“It’s surfaced again later now with this Mitchell Report.”
In the video on rogerclemensonline.com Clemens thanks fans for the support he has received and is clearly annoyed that he has to defend himself.
“I’m angry about it,” Clemens said. “It’s hurtful to me and my family. But we are coming upon Christmas now and I have been blessed in my life. I’ve been blessed in my career and I’m very thankful for those blessings.”