WASHINGTON — Nearly a year after Roger Clemens told Congress he did not use performance-enhancing drugs, a federal grand jury is being asked to determine whether he should be indicted on charges of lying under oath.
Congress asked the Justice Department to look into whether the seven-time Cy Young Award winner lied last February, when he testified under oath at a deposition and a public House hearing that he never took illegal performance enhancers.
That contradicted the sworn testimony of his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, who said under oath that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone. Clemens last played in the major leagues in 2007, with the Yankees.
The Justice Department brought the case to a grand jury — which is based in Washington — after an 11- month FBI inquiry.
Footnotes.
Right-hander Jose Valverde, who led the National League with 44 saves last season, and the Astros avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to an $8 million, one-year deal.
• The Brewers and shortstop J.J. Hardy agreed to a $4.65 million, one-year contract.
• The Rangers are exploring trade options for five-time all-star shortstop Michael Young at the player’s request after he became upset about the team’s plan to move him to third base.
• The Indians agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract with catcher Kelly Shoppach, extending their streak of avoiding salary arbitration to 18 years.
• The Rays agreed to a $1,000,018, one-year contract with former Rockies outfielder Gabe Kapler, who hit .301 with eight homers and 38 RBIs last season with the Brewers.
• The Angels and manager Mike Scioscia have agreed to a contract extension through 2018.
The Associated Press
