Clemens' Denial Enough to Choke On

Pitcher's claim steroids were B-12 not going down easy

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2008 6:58 AM CST

(Newser) – Pitcher Roger Clemens' claim that he took injections of B-12 vitamins—not steroids—is a page right out of the book of lame stories by Orioles player Rafael Palmeiro, who was laughed into obscurity after a similar tale, writes a skeptical Chicago Tribune columnist. Clemens will insist on "60 Minutes" tonight that he thought what his trainer says were steroids were vitamins—inviting the question: Wouldn't taking a pill have been easier?

An attorney for the trainer called Clemens' story "a lawyers' game" that will let the pitcher claim that he never knowingly did anything wrong. Clemens' TV appearance looks like an attempt to get public opinion on his side—but with the nation watching and an upcoming appearance before a congressional committee, he needs a more convincing story, concludes the Tribune's Rick Morrissey.

Roger Clemens, left, exercises with strength coach Brian McNamee after pitching in a Houston Astros minor league baseball mini camp in Kissimmee, Fla., in this Feb. 27, 2006 file photo. McNamee has said... (Associated Press)

In this image captured from video and released by CBS News on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2008, baseball player Roger Clemens is seen at his Katy, Texas home, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, while giving his first interview... (Associated Press)

Roger Clemems will tell 60 minutes tonight that injections from trainer Brain McNamee were vitamin B-12 and a painkiller, not the steroids McNamee claims. Commentators are finding the excuse difficult... (KRT Photos)

New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens reacts after giving up a home run to Cleveland Indians' Trot Nixon at Yankee Stadium in New York in this file photo. Clemens is to make an appearance on 60 Minutes... (Associated Press)

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Clemens' Denial Enough to Choke On

Pitcher's claim steroids were B-12 not going down easy

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

steroids • Roger Clemens • 60 Minutes • Rafael Palmeiro • baseball

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Clemens Judge Declares Mistrial

We'll know in September whether government will try again

Clemens Pleads Not Guilty

Pitcher to fight charges of lying to congress

On Sex Tape, McCready Disses Rocket's . . . Readiness

Clemens was good in bed 'when he could get It up'

McNamee Selling Clemens Mementos on eBay

'Break-up' memorabilia profits go to juvenile diabetes group

Congress Asks Justice Dept. for Clemens Probe

Bipartisan letter wants to look at star's steroids denials for perjury

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