Clemens pleads not guilty
MLB: Seven-time Cy Young award winner Roger Clemens pleaded not guilty Monday in a federal court three blocks from where prosecutors say he lied to Congress two years ago when he said he never used steroids or performance- enhancing drugs.
Clemens was arraigned on six felony counts, including obstruction of Congress, perjury and making false statements – all stemming from his February 2008 testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The judge set a tentative trial date of April 5 – the first full week of the next baseball season – and released Clemens on his own recognizance after declining a request by prosecutors that he give up his passport.
• Manny Ramirez joins White Sox: The Chicago White Sox have claimed outfielder Manny Ramirez off waivers. The 38-year-old batted .311 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 66 games with the Dodgers this season, but was on the disabled list from July 20 to Aug. 20 with a right calf strain and missed 33 games.
White Sox manager Jose Guillen is unsure if Ramirez will play in tonight’s game.
• Reds calling up LHP Chapman: Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman is bringing his 105 mph fastball to the big leagues.
The Reds plan to call up the hard-throwing lefty before their game tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers, trying to strengthen their bullpen for a playoff push in September and beyond.
• Cardinals get new ’dos : Most of the St. Louis Cardinals got their heads shaved before Monday’s game at Houston as a way to break the monotony of their longest road trip of the season. The players took turns doing the cutting and a large pile of multicolored locks covered the floor.
Manager Tony La Russa said he likes the new styles because they’re so ugly, he won’t have to worry about his players staying out late.
V. Williams, Roddick advance at U.S. Open
Tennis: Playing for the first time in two months, Venus Williams beat Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-4, 6-1 to reach the U.S. Open’s second round at Flushing Meadows, New York.
The No. 3-seeded Williams hit 10 aces and earned her 200th career victory in a Grand Slam match.
The No. 2-seeded Kim Clijsters began her title defense with a 6-0, 7-5 victory over 104th-ranked Greta Arn of Hungary.
No. 9 seeded Andy Roddick celebrated his 28th birthday by defeating Stephane Robert of France 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Roger Federer advanced to the second round by defeating Brian Dabul of Argentina 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Federer had 18 aces as well as an impressive through-the-legs winner.
Two-time French Open runner-up Robin Soderling was stretched to five sets before edging 214th-ranked qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer, who pounded 34 aces.
Miscellany: The Americans survived their first tough test in the FIBA world basketball championships in Turkey, edging Brazil 70-68 when Leandro Barbosa’s shot rattled out at the buzzer.
Kevin Durant scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 15 for the Americans (3-0), who essentially clinched Group B with the victory.
Marcus Vinicius scored 16 points for Brazil.
• Gilbert wins third stage in Spanish Vuelta: Philippe Gilbert of Belgium pulled ahead in the overall standings in the Spanish Vuelta, using a strong surge to the finish line on a sweltering afternoon to win the hilly third stage.
Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee is 141st overall.
Gilbert finished the 98-mile ride from Marbella in 4 hours, 6 minutes, 12 seconds.