The Rocket Has Fizzled Down To a Firecracker

Remember in 2008 when Roger Clemens appeared before a House committee and was adamant that he had never taken HGH or steroids? Well, it seems as if a federal grand jury is adamant that they've had it with Clemens and his lying and have indicted him for making false claims to Congress.

What started this firestorm was the fact that Clemens was mentioned in the Mitchell Report and had went to Congress to clear himself of any wrongdoing. From 2008 until today, Clemens still sticks to his story about how he never took steroids. Likewise, since 2008 Clemens and trainer Brian McNamee have been side by side in trying to prove the Mitchell Report wrong. Sadly, it would be McNamee who confessed that Clemens had taken steroids.

One would think that with McNamee's testimony, the possibility of serving a maximum of 30 years in prison,  and having to pay a fine of $1.5 million, under U.S. sentencing guidelines Clemens would serve 15-21 months in jail, that Clemens would change his tune.

So, how does this affect Clemens' chances of going to the Hall of Fame? His career stats of 354 victories made him a definite for the Hall of Fame. Now, the question is up in the air. As noted by former teammate Lance Berkman, "In my opinion, he's a Hall of Famer. Period,"  who played with Clemens in Houston. "Whatever you want to say about the guy, he belongs in the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, legacy-wise, I guess that's up to -- I mean, 200 years from now, who cares? "But in the short term, I guess, he may have some things to address," Berkman said. "He's a big boy. He'll face up to whatever it is. But it doesn't change my opinion of him at all."

I feel bad for all involved in this situation from Clemens down to his family, the game, and the fans. I hope others take heed to what has happened today and that they begin to live by the old adage, "what you do in the dark always comes to light".

XOXO,
Whitney