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Baseball

Lawyer predicts pardon for Clemens

One of Brian McNamee’s lawyers predicted Roger Clemens will be pardoned by President Bush, saying some Republicans treated his client harshly because of the pitcher’s friendship with the Bush family.

Richard Emery made the claims Thursday, a day after a congressional hearing broke down along party lines. Many Democrats were skeptical of Clemens’ denials he used performance-enhancing drugs and Republicans questioned the character of McNamee, the personal trainer who made the accusations against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

“It would be the easiest thing in the world for George W. Bush, given the corrupt proclivities of his administration, to say Roger Clemens is an American hero, Roger Clemens helped children,” Emery said in a telephone interview. “It’s my belief they have some reason to believe they can get a pardon.”

During Wednesday’s session before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Clemens repeated his denials under oath, which could lead to criminal charges if federal prosecutors conclude he made false statements or obstructed Congress.

“I’m not aware of Mr. Clemens having been charged with anything,” White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto said after being told of Emery’s remarks.

During the hearing, Clemens cited his friendship with Bush’s father, President George H.W. Bush, a baseball fan who regularly attends Houston Astros games. Clemens said he was on a recent hunting trip when the elder Bush called with words of support.

Inside

Guard Wahle signs with Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks signed former Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle to a five-year contract.

Agent Neil Cornrich declined to specify the value of the deal.

Wahle, a 10-year veteran who was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2005 and ‘06 while with Carolina, earned $18 million in base salary and bonuses in his last three seasons with the Panthers before they cut him Monday in a salary-cap move.

The Seahawks also hired former Washington Redskins quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor as their quarterbacks coach to replace Jim Zorn. Zorn left last month after seven seasons in Seattle to become the Redskins’ offensive coordinator. Washington then promoted Zorn to head coach.