Clemens lied in deposition, lawmaker says

Roger Clemens lied to congressional investigators and has made other statements that are untrue in his denials of the accusations that he used steroids and human growth hormone, U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman said Wednesday.

"During his deposition, he made statements that we know are untrue," Waxman, the Democratic chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said at the hearing on drugs in baseball. "In other areas, his statements are contradicted by other credible witnesses or are simply implausible."

Waxman and Rep. Tom Davis, the committee's ranking Republican, said after the hearing that they had made no decision on recommending action by federal prosecutors on perjury.

Former trainer Brian McNamee told the panel he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone 20 times, four more than he initially reported to investigators. Clemens, an All-Star pitcher, repeatedly denied to the committee that he ever used performance-enhancing drugs.

His reputation and Hall of Fame candidacy potentially at stake — not to mention the possibility of criminal charges, should he lie — Clemens said: "I have never taken steroids or HGH. No matter what we discuss here today, I am never going to have my name restored."

For some members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Clemens' denials rang hollow, particularly in light of a new account of his discussion of HGH use, revealed by his friend and former teammate Andy Pettitte in a sworn affidavit.

"It's hard to believe you, sir," Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., told Clemens. "I hate to say that. You're one of my heroes. But it's hard to believe."

McNamee testified that he told the truth about Clemens' use of performance enhancers and said the seven-time Cy Young Award winner's denials are lies.

"I injected those drugs into the body of Roger Clemens at his direction," McNamee said. "Unfortunately Roger has denied this and has led a full-court attack on my credibility. I have no reason to lie, and every reason not to."

Pettitte, who also worked with McNamee, confirmed McNamee's testimony that the trainer had injected him with HGH in an affidavit given to the committee.

McNamee's recollection that Clemens attended a party hosted by former baseball player Jose Canseco was one area questioned by several committee members. Later, Waxman said Clemens' former nanny, who was interviewed by the committee, supported McNamee's claim on the attendance.