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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Major figures in Roger Clemens’ upcoming trial

The three major figures of Roger Clemens’ trial, scheduled to begin today, on charges he lied about using steroids and human growth hormone:

Roger Clemens: The standout pitcher maintains he never used performance- enhancing drugs during a 23-season career that ended with 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts and a record seven Cy Young Awards. But prosecutors say he is lying and broke the law when he made his denials under oath before a congressional committee.

Brian McNamee: The strength trainer worked out closely with Clemens for a decade, helping mold him into one of the most feared power pitchers in the major leagues even into middle age. McNamee also says he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone and saved the needles, which will be evidence at trial. He’s the only person to say he witnessed Clemens using drugs and will be the prosecution’s most important witness.

Andy Pettitte: Clemens’ fellow pitcher for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros is another vital prosecution witness because he’s the only person besides McNamee who says Clemens acknowledged using drugs, in a private conversation in 1999 or 2000. Clemens has said his former friend is “a very honest fellow” but insists he “misremembers” their conversation.

Associated Press