(Image source: The New York Times)
BY TOM MARTIN
You're watching multisource sports video news analysis from Newsy.
As Major League Baseball breaks for All-Star festivities, its recent string of perjury trials resumes.
Seven-time Cy Young award winner Roger Clemens arrived in court Wednesday to counter allegations that he lied to Congress in 2008 when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
To begin the proceedings, the former pitcher’s defense team hurled a curve ball. The Washington Post reports...
“...it was revealed that an audio tape of Clemens' February 2008 deposition before House committee investigators had not been turned over to defense attorneys, who claimed that the tape -- specifically, Clemens' tone of voice -- was crucial to rebutting obstruction charges leveled by the government.”
The House did turn over a transcript of Clemens’ comments, but that was not enough for the defense team. Attorneys say the raw emotion behind Clemens’ answers needs to be heard.
USA Today quotes Clemens’ attorney.
"This man has a right for a jury to hear how he sounded when he answered questions before the U.S. Congress … The people who are saying we obstructed (Congress) are denying us access to the tone of voice.''
The defense isn’t the only group intrigued by the recording. Judge Reggie Walton angrily criticized Congress for its refusal to release the audio tape.
“[Walton] said the lack of transparency might undermine the integrity of the entire legal process in the eyes of the public. ‘I think it causes our citizenry to say, does this system really work? Is it fair?’ Walton said.”
Clemens has never shied from making his voice heard. In 2008, he sat down with Mike Wallace of CBS’ 60 Minutes to address his bruising legal battle.
“I don’t know if I can defend myself. I think people have already made their decision. And that’s our country isn’t it? Guilty before innocent.”
The interview backfired-- and caused further speculation. Clemens has been under fire ever since for his steadfast denials despite mounting evidence against him-- like player testimonials and the discovery of used syringes.
A writer for The Boston Globe believes ultimately-- Clemens brought this turmoil upon himself.
“This didn’t have to happen. No one demanded Clemens take the oath and submit his version of events. This was Roger being Roger. This was the same intransigent Clemens who never could admit a mistake. He never could take the blame.”
Jury selection is the next step. Stay with Newsy for updates as the trial heats up.
Follow Newsy on Twitter @Newsy_Videos for updates in this trial.
Transcript by Newsy.
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