Clemens is no different than Bonds

[Nors]

Clemens is no different than Bonds

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
December 13, 2007


Year after year he peddled the same garbage, Roger Clemens was so dominant for so long because he simply outworked everyone. It played to the nation's Puritan roots, made Clemens out to be this everyman maximizing his skills through singular focus, dedication and a commitment to drinking carrot juice, or something.

It's all gone now, the legend of Rocket Roger dead on arrival of the Mitchell Report; one of the greatest pitchers of all time, his seven Cy Youngs and 354 career victories lost to history under a pile of lies and syringes.

Clemens was injected with performance-enhancing drugs and human growth hormones by his former trainer starting in 2000 and continuing many times through the years, trainer Brian McNamee told George Mitchell in great detail.

Baseball has its white Barry Bonds.

MITCHELL REPORT COVERAGE
Josh Peter: Mitchell's findings

Jeff Passan: Gossip, not solutions

Dan Wetzel: Clemens like Bonds

View the Mitchell Report (PDF)

The list of players named

SNY video: Mitchell's take

SNY video: Selig's response

SNY video: Fehr's response

Feedback blog: Share your thoughts



The sport has been waiting for the other shoe to drop on the 45-year-old Clemens for years. What he did defied not just age, but belief, and if there is one thing we know about commissioner Bud Selig's sorry era, it's that if something seems too good to be true, it is.

The smoking gun comes from McNamee, a former New York Yankees employee who used to work as a personal trainer for Clemens and his buddy Andy Pettitte, who is also cited in the report. McNamee is also a witness in a federal investigation and spoke to Mitchell and federal investigators under the penalty of perjury. The details are in Mitchell's 400-plus page, 20-month, $20 million report released Thursday afternoon.

Clemens refused to meet with Mitchell, according to the report. "In order to provide Clemens with information about these allegations and to give him an opportunity to respond, I asked him to meet with me; he declined," Mitchell wrote.

If McNamee is wrong and Mitchell ran with it anyway, then Clemens can sue the former Congressional leader, Major League Baseball and his drug-dealing former trainer for about a billion dollars.

This report, painstakingly investigated and detailed, may be a witch hunt to cleanse Selig's soul, but it isn't operated by fools. It’s extremely unlikely Mitchell and MLB would set itself up for such risk.

No matter what the defense that emerges, Clemens will struggle to ever win in the court of public opinion.

Which leaves baseball fans with the gut-punch reality that the generations' greatest hitter – Bonds – and greatest pitcher – Clemens – are nothing but drug-enhanced cautionary tales.

It is Clemens and his arrogance through the years that makes this one so distasteful. Just like Bonds, he relished in his greatness, seemed to mock all the other mortals who couldn't keep up with his workout regimens, his off-season drive, his freak of nature physical abilities.

He liked to convey that maybe anyone could do this, if they just were as tough as the Texas Con Man.

And just like Bonds, you have to wonder why it was ever necessary. Clemens was an all-time great back in the 1980s and early 1990s, when he was presumably clean. He had three Cy Youngs and a MVP by 1991, when he was just 28. He didn't need to cheat to become rich and famous.

Maybe it was ego, maybe jealousy, maybe insecurity. It hardly matters now that his deal with the devil just came painfully due.

There is a forgivable element to some of the other names. Baseball is a global game now, which is why there are too many factors involved – a chance to leave third-world poverty for cash-flush America – to ever end the lure of doping.

Clemens has no such excuse.

The only surprise here for anyone paying attention was that Mitchell actually caught him.

For years Bonds supporters have pointed the finger at Clemens as a sign of a media (and racial) double standard. Their guy was getting crucified daily, while Clemens was getting standing ovations and new contracts.

But until now there was never a credible link to performance-enhancing drugs. There were rumors, broad-based speculation and a tenuous mention in the Jason Grimsley affidavit. But Bonds was caught up in a federal investigation into BALCO, a prison term for Victor Conte and a mountain of other evidence.

Call it Clemens' good fortune, but there was only so much you could say. Not any longer.

Anyone who spent years spewing contempt at Bonds needs to do the same to Clemens, because there is no difference between them.

They are just two guys who had it all, foolishly went for more, and have now lost everything.

Welcome to America's pastime. Pass the peanuts and Cracker Jack.

 

[Big Dakota]

They showed Roger's vauned workout on ESPN. He's a big fat pig. Doing squat's with 135 pounds. Doing a workout that my sister could do. He needs roids and an "average man" workout to stay under 50 pounds over weight. This BTCH will be 150 over weight within 3 years of retirement

 

[mr.jameswoods]

I used to take a lot of heat from my friends because I questioned Clemens for years. It amazes me how people wouldn't think of Clemens. He was only in his late 30's that was pitching 90 mph fast balls that added about 30 lbs to his frame. I mean did people really think steroid and hgh was limited to hitters?

People have said that Bonds had an unfair advantage but he also faced pitchers that were using the same stuff.

I personally think Bonds and Clemens need to be in the Hall of Fame. This was baseball's fault as much as it was the players' fault. Bud Selig and the leaague could have insisted upon this policy a long time ago. Selig did nothing during the home run race and kept quiet because it increased ratings and resuscitated baseball. Now they want to retroactively punish people. The only thing more pathetic is the fact we spent 30 million dollars to acquire this report.

 

[Bonecrusher#31]

Bias Bob Costas doesn't think so....

He thinks Roger should still be voted into HOF b/c he only took the drugs to get healthy

 

[CowboyWay]

I've questioned him for years as well. You just don't turn 40, or hell 35, and get better in sports. It just don't happen.

 

[Mavs Man]

The only thing more pathetic is the fact we spent 30 million dollars to acquire this report.

Actually, I heard they spent over $60 million on this report.

 

[Mavs Man]

I've questioned him for years as well. You just don't turn 40, or hell 35, and get better in sports. It just don't happen.

 

[mr.jameswoods]

Bias Bob Costas doesn't think so....

He thinks Roger should still be voted into HOF b/c he only took the drugs to get healthy

Except that when he got healthy, he didn't stop taking them..... LOL


Nice post and I agree with you. In addition, let's be honest, the media hates Barry Bonds. The media is used to having their *** kissed by athletes and Barry just didn't want to do it. Barry would refuse interviews and speak down to them even if it was deserved at times. I'm not a Bonds' fan but I can't stand the media's collaborated efforts to get back at Barry and then pretending it's about the record or cheating in baseball.

If it's about cheating then let's see them react the same way to Clemens. They can't use the same ole excuses like: "Well, Barry is a HOF and was chasing the record so he deserved the higher profile criticism" Clemens is arguably the greatest pitcher of all time and a HOF as well.

And there is more damning proof against Clemens than there is with Bonds. Bonds' trainer refuses to indict Bonds while Clemens trainers flat out said they injected hgh into him. Thus far, the negative reaction against Clemens has been strong but let's see if it stays that way.

Lastly, Clemens is a jerkwad too. He is an arrogant and cocky player who is short with the media too. It makes you wonder why no one attacked Clemens but went after Bonds.

 

[Nors]

and Clemens made probably $150 Million more extending his career.

I'm sure he is really broke up about this. He'll just deny, deny, deny

first ballot hof

it was what it was - the steroids era

 

[mr.jameswoods]

and Clemens made probably $150 Million more extending his career.

I'm sure he is really broke up about this. He'll just deny, deny, deny

first ballot hof

it was what it was - the steroids era

I bet Barry Bonds is smiling. This just helped him become a first ballot HOF

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

well we all know Brett was a druggie/alchie, he just cried his way out of the drugs and the booze preserved him well.

 

[Nors]

I think Bonds and Clemens go in because pre steroids era they were Hall of Famers basically already. Both maybe padded some numbers most will admit. But really there is not much doubt those two were probably the best players of past 20 years, sans maybe Arod in the mix.



I can see a Jim Rice benefit next vote. If they are going to blackball all play
ers of this era they have to vote someone in?

 

[Nors]

And the killer here is that MLB didn't even start testing till a few years ago. I'm not sure they can go after these 80

 

[mr.jameswoods]

And the killer here is that MLB didn't even start testing till a few years ago. I'm not sure they can go after these 80

That's what angers me about this. They spent 60 million on nothing. Nothing is going to occur as a result of naming these players.

 

[CowboyWay]

I think Bretts clean. Comparing him to Bonds or Clemmens because he "got better" doesn't hold water.

Brett is more patient this year, and has whole lot more talent around him than he did the last few years. He's not overpowering guys like Bonds and CLemmens.

 

[Nors]

Actually - Favre's resurgence should raise eyebrows. He did go into offseason training real hard by most accounts.

 

[Hypnotoad]

I keep hearing people saying HGH will continue until they develop a urine test for it. The MLB and NFL commissioners are paying a lab to fund research for an HGH test in urine. Additionally, announcers to sports programs are saying "This will continue until a urine test is formed."

Heres some cold hard facts which everyone seems to deny. There is already a test for HGH in the blood and it is fairly easy and efficient to do. They have been testing HGH in participants of the Olympics since 2000. So why the hell doesn't MLB and NFL do these tests?

The players unions are protesting their players agreeing to blood testing. As I recall from business law, employers cannot force employees to do blood testing because of privacy issues. Take this situation for example... You are an NFL player who submitted a blood test... Your results come back... and Your coaches find out you have a sickness which will make you permanently tired as your body succumbs to it with time. It is in an early stage, and you can possibly not get it its only part of your family history, s a result you are CUT from the team. This is why unions are opposing blood testing.

You are probably asking, What about the urine test. Well I did some research, talked to a urinalisist and found out this information:

- The body produces HGH naturally during puberty and perhaps up to middle 20s. Making it hard to detect if its naturally produced or if it is not.
- HGH is not absorbed by the kidneys so it wont come out in pee
- There is no current test for it, but she said it could be possible with florescent reagents?? (or something i couldn't really understand).

So what is up with this?... Are the leagues trying to lie to the people that there is an answer coming soon in the future? If you want a solution work with the union, why not require blood testing from independent labs which only returns tests if HGH is positive, and that is not given to coaches or owners, just a council to deal with suspensions.

 

[Kangaroo]

I keep hearing people saying HGH will continue until they develop a urine test for it. The MLB and NFL commissioners are paying a lab to fund research for an HGH test in urine. Additionally, announcers to sports programs are saying "This will continue until a urine test is formed."

Heres some cold hard facts which everyone seems to deny. There is already a test for HGH in the blood and it is fairly easy and efficient to do. They have been testing HGH in participants of the Olympics since 2000. So why the hell doesn't MLB and NFL do these tests?

The players unions are protesting their players agreeing to blood testing. As I recall from business law, employers cannot force employees to do blood testing because of privacy issues. Take this situation for example... You are an NFL player who submitted a blood test... Your results come back... and Your coaches find out you have a sickness which will make you permanently tired as your body succumbs to it with time. It is in an early stage, and you can possibly not get it its only part of your family history, s a result you are CUT from the team. This is why unions are opposing blood testing.

You are probably asking, What about the urine test. Well I did some research, talked to a urinalisist and found out this information:

- The body produces HGH naturally during puberty and perhaps up to middle 20s. Making it hard to detect if its naturally produced or if it is not.
- HGH is not absorbed by the kidneys so it wont come out in pee
- There is no current test for it, but she said it could be possible with florescent reagents?? (or something i couldn't really understand).

So what is up with this?... Are the leagues trying to lie to the people that there is an answer coming soon in the future? If you want a solution work with the union, why not require blood testing from independent labs which only returns tests if HGH is positive, and that is not given to coaches or owners, just a council to deal with suspensions.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7561602

Mitchell recommendations should be used by all the Major league sports MLB; NBA and NFL

here they are

1) Better drug testing.
Year-round, unannounced drug testing, with increased testing during the offseason and better protection from leaks before tests.
Continually update drug testing as new techniques become available.
Test all clubhouse employees just as players are tested.
Test the top 100 draft eligible prospects each year, as identified by the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau.
Ensure program transparency by submitting to outside audits and publishing reports of aggregate testing results.
Respect rights of players when it comes to testing.2) Other modes of investigating.
Create an anonymous tip hot line.
Background checks for all new clubhouse hires.
Establish a Department of Investigations with a senior executive who reports directly to the league president. Report all significant allegations of illegal substance use to the commissioner and president.
Better cooperation and communication with law enforcement agencies.
Prompt interviews with players alleged to be using.
Make sure drug policy is clear, written and well-publicized so players and club personnel know the rules.
Keep logs of packages sent to players at major league ballparks.3) Improving the anti-drug education program.
Educational program run by independent officer to ensure an unbiased, consistent effort.
Presentations to players during spring training on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs, including testimonials from speakers that players will relate to and law enforcement officials who can describe legal ramifications.
Educate players on alternate ways to achieve the same results without performance-enhancing drugs and on the health risks of using substances bought on the black market.
Inform players of the non-health-related hazards of buying drugs, including blackmail by shady dealers.
Prominently display posters outlining baseball's drug policy and the dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs.4) Improve the league's drug prevention and treatment program.
Make the program independent from the league.
Provide adequate funding for the program.

 

[Big Dakota]

Scientists Move Closer to Reliable H.G.H. Test

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/15/s...em&ex=1197954000&en=58cc9374d220dcfb&ei=5087

 

[FloridaRob]

Actually - Favre's resurgence should raise eyebrows. He did go into offseason training real hard by most accounts.

Favre is better than he was 10 yrs ago because he is not making mental mistakes. He doesnt and probably can't run like he used but his decission making has been excellent. Nothing to do with steroids. IF Brett needed Steroids to play, he would quit

It also helps to be throwing to Jennings, Rombinson, Jones, and Driver instead of arena leaguerTaco Wallace and Antonio Chatman.

I do wonder about how many players use HGH in the NFL now. With no test available to find it, I would imagine a lot of players do use it. Players are huge these daya and run like a deer. I just don't think that is because of working out every day.

Al Harris this week was quoted as saying he knows for a fact that players have paid up to $200,000 for HGH and knows he has gone up against players juiced up.