Clemens Pleads Not Guilty

Seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens pleaded not guilty today to charges of lying to Congress about whether he used steroids or human growth hormone. When asked for a plea, the retired pitcher said in a clear voice: "Not guilty, your honor." Clemens and all-time home run leader Barry Bonds could both begin their day in court next spring, turning the spotlight back on MLB's long-running drug scandal just as it opens the 2011 season.

Clemens appeared in federal court only a few blocks from where he swore under oath to a House committee in 2008 that he had not used performance-enhancing drugs; feds' disbelief in that testimony led to the charges he faces. If convicted, Clemens could be looking at up to 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines. More likely would be 15 to 21 months in prison—and a hugely diminished shot at the Hall of Fame.
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