Roger Clemens' Perjury Trial Is Over, Rocket Awaits Hall of Fame Vote in December
by on Tue, Jun 19, 2012 at 12:22AM
Perjury is a really, really difficult legal case to make, and although the government typically doesn't pursue such legal action unless it feels its case is very strong, everyone knew that it was going to have a difficult time getting a conviction of Roger Clemens.
Now that the former Rocket has been acquitted of all charges against him, the focus now undoubtedly turns to what this means for his legacy on the whole. Barry Bonds, of course, was found guilty of one of the obstruction of justice charges against him in his trial las year, but it was a court decision that didn't likely affect the court of public opinion either way. Is Clemens' case any different?
Just as in Bonds trial, Clemens time in cour certainly put a bright spotlight on the strong circumstantial and word-of-mouth testimony against him, but it also brought to the surface the character issues that their accusers (Greg Anderson and Brian McNamee, respectively) faced, as well. The question is, did their shady behavior make their plausible accounts of what they claim these athletes did any less reliable.
Ultimately, the largest decision on the legacy of each player will be decided by members of the Baseball Writer's Association of America in December, the next time Hall of Fame voting rolls around. It will easily be the most interesting Hall ballot since the steroids era was blown wide open with the Mitchell Report.
And though it may only be in the court of public opinion, expect all of the accused to be standing trial for the crime of betraying baseball fans.
Picture via Twitter /@jimbaumbach
Photo of the Night
On Sunday, Stanford University held its graduation ceremony, including a couple celebrity students, LPGA golfer Michelle Wie and future Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, showing off his guns.
Photo via Associated Press
Quote of the Night
"Roger Clemens was found not guilty Monday, but, really, does anyone think he's innocent?"
– Bob Nightengale in the opening line of his column on Clemens in USA Today.
Tweet of the Night
BREAKING: Sandusky attorneys request new trial, ask if Clemens jurors are available.
— The Fake ESPN (@TheFakeESPN) June 19, 2012
Video of the Night
It still beats the center field sculpture at Marlins Park, but the big apple at Citi Field (a holdover from Shea Stadium) isn't necessarily the most elegant design element at major league ballparks. The apple decided to make an even more invasive appearance during the first inning of Monday's game between the Mets and Baltimore Orioles.