FBI enters Clemens case
The FBI took up the Roger Clemens case Thursday, told by the Justice Department to investigate whether the star pitcher lied when he testified to Congress he never took performance-enhancing drugs.
The FBI’s involvement was announced one day after the leaders of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee told Attorney General Michael Mukasey they weren’t sure whether Clemens told the truth under oath at a Feb. 5 deposition and Feb. 13 public hearing.
A probe could result in charges against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner for perjury, making false statements or obstruction of justice. Congress did not ask for a similar investigation of Brian McNamee, the former personal trainer who testified under oath that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone.
Clemens testified that he never used steroids or HGH. McNamee testified he injected Clemens with performance-enhancers at least 16 times from 1998-01.
“We’ve always expected they would open an investigation,” said Clemens’ lead lawyer, Rusty Hardin. “They attended the congressional hearing. So what’s new?”
•Clemens’ 10-year personal services contract with the Houston Astros could be affected by the FBI’s investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids.
Astros owner Drayton McLane said he might re-evaluate the deal – which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires – in light of Clemens’ legal issues.
“We’ll just have to see what happens,” McLane said from Kissimmee, Fla. “You’re just putting supposition into it and we’ll just have to wait and see what develops.”
Fehr would consider testing
Players’ union leader Donald Fehr would consider approving blood testing for the human growth hormone if there was a valid, efficient procedure for determining its use over an extended period.
“If and when a blood test is available and it can be signed and validated by people other than those that are trying to sell it to you, then we’d have to take a hard look at it,” Fehr said in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Reed, Johnson lead Mariners
Jeremy Reed hit a three-run homer and Rob Johnson added a two-run shot, both off Joe Thatcher, to highlight the Seattle Mariners’ seven-run sixth inning during a 10-3 win over the San Diego Padres at Peoria, Ariz.
The event was an annual charity game that precedes the start of Cactus League exhibitions.
DeRosa’s procedure goes well
Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa underwent what the club deemed a successful procedure in Chicago to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Big contract for Corpas
After only a half season as their closer, Manny Corpas agreed to an $8,025,000, four-year contract with the Colorado Rockies that could be worth up to $22,775,000, including escalators and team options for 2012 and 2013.