(IMAGE SOURCE: The New Yorker)
BY GEOURGE DUMONTIER
You're watching multisource sports video news analysis from Newsy.
It’s over -- before it started.
Roger Clemen’s perjury trial began yesterday. It ended today.
Judge Reggie Walton declared a mistrial after the jury was shown evidence that was “not allowed.” Here’s CNN.
“The judge scolded the prosecutors for twice violating his orders not to reveal certain evidence to the jury. Said it could put the whole case at risk. The judge has concluded that it has. Declaring a mistrial”
So what evidence was meant to be kept from the jury?
Hearsay testimony from the wife of Clemen’s teammate, Andy Pettitte.
Walton previously ordered the prosecution not to use that evidence, but MSNBC notes, to no avail.
“A member of congress read out a portion of a declaration from Pettitte’s wife, Laura, who said yes, she remembers being told by her husband, Andy Pettitte, that Roger Clemens told him he used steroids, now the judge said that’s too indirect and the jury shouldn’t hear that.”
It was suggested that the jury simply be told to disregard the evidence, but Walton replied, quote -- “I don’t see how I can un-ring the bell.” Walton went on to apologize to the jury, saying...
"Ladies and gentleman, we have taken a week out of your life at a cost of a lot of taxpayers' money,... But there are rules we play by...They are important when someone's life and liberty depend on it.'' "In my view, the ability of this defendant to get a fair trail before this jury will be difficult, if not impossible...” (Source: USA Today)
A mistrial means the Government would have to re-try Clemens for lying about using steroids. But some say that won’t be easy. ESPN reports....
“This may be a conclusive final triumph for Roger Clemens. It is unlikely that the gov’t will be able to retry this case because of a legal rule known as double jeopardy. We don’t know that for sure, but that is a real possibility.”
For now, Clemens is safe. The case will be revisited on September 2.
Transcript by Newsy.
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