The book, which is called American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America’s Pastime, was written by four reporters from the New York Daily News.

“I’ve seen excerpts of the book,” said Clemens. “They’re completely false.”

Clemens also insisted that he never used steroids and talked about his relationship with Andy Pettitte. But mostly, the topic surrounded the book.

“It’s piling on,” said Clemens of the book, “it’s hurtful at times. I’m trying to move on.”

Here is the Roger Clemens video of his ESPN Radio interview:

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Now Clemens can add another strike to his resume. This time a hospital in Houston has decided to drop his name. The Roger Clemens Institute for Sports Medicine will now be known as the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute. While the hospital didn’t specifically point to any transgressions as a reason for the name change, it’s not exactly rocket science to figure out why the hospital had the change of heart.

In Clemens’ career, he had 354 wins, 4672 strikeouts and a lifetime ERA of 3.13. Although he’s eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2013, there is some question on when — or even if — he’ll get in. His inclusion in the Hall of Fame could very well rely on the fallout of all the allegations that have haunted Clemens as of late.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

In recent months, Clemens has also been linked to . . .

. . . using Viagra to improve performance — on the baseball field.

. . . an open apology that didn’t make too much sense.

. . . a sex scandal with Mindy McCready.

And that’s not even discussing his congressional hearing and the other steroid allegations. Ironically, Clemens has been in the news more since he retired than his last few years in baseball.

I’m willing to bet Roger Clemens longs for the days when the biggest controversy surrounding him was related to throwing a jagged bat at Mike Piazza.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

First Clemens found himself in the middle of the steroid controversy. After that, Clemens and Mindy McCready were in a sex scandal. (No word if Viagra played a part in that scandal.)

Why would Clemens need Viagra on the baseball field? According to experts, Viagra can help with endurance and help with delivering oxygen to muscles. Obviously, Viagra can also be used to fight impotence that could be caused by tacking some forms of steroids.

Did Roger Clemens take Viagra to boost his baseball performance? We’ll likely never know for sure. Viagra was legal in baseball’s eyes for Clemens to take when he played. In fact, Viagra is still legal to take today in baseball.

Should baseball ban Viagra and put it on its illegal performance enhancers list? They should consult with the wives first before making any drastic changes.

Raise your hands if you’ve ever taken Viagra.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Said Clemens in a written statement: “I know that many people want to know what I have to say about the recent articles in the media. Even though these articles contain many false accusations and mistakes, I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life for which I am sorry. I have apologized to my family and apologize to my fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which have not been right.”

While Clemens apologized, he denied both using steroids and he denied the sex scandal. So what exactly is apologizing for? Your guess is as good as ours. Maybe he’s apologizing for throwing that shattered bat at Mike Piazza.

Is this why Roger Clemens is apologizing?

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

According to a report in the New York Daily News, Roger Clemens and country music star Mindy McCready had an affair that lasted approximately ten years. Clemens, who is married, reportedly consummated an intimate relationship with McCready shortly after the two met.

To add gasoline to this story, McCready was only 15-years-old when she met Clemens – who was 28 at the time. The two met at a bar when Clemens was out on the town with his Boston Red Sox teammates.

On the record, representatives of Clemens have denied the affair. The representatives are calling McCready a “friend of the family”. McCready has been vague when asked to give details, but said “I cannot refute anything in the story.”

Expect this topic to get even juicier over the next few days. I’m not sure what’s next for Clemens in 2008 because at this rate, he’s going to run out of available scandals. The only thing that appears not to be in the cards is a return to baseball.

In case you don’t know who Mindy McCready is, here she is singing, “Guys Do It All The Time.” Hmm…

Post from: Knuckle Curve

–”All the Sad Young Men,” Tommy Wolf and Fran Landesman

I don’t think Wolf and Landesman were talking about baseball players, but the sentiment may apply. At least two young men whose contracts were up for renewal are sad because, well, their contracts got renewed.

Say wha’?

First up, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder:

I’m not happy about it at all. The fact I’ve had to be renewed two years in a row, I’m not happy about it because there’s a lot of guys who have the same amount of time that I do who have done a lot less and are getting paid a lot more.

But my time is going to come. It’s going to come quick, too.

Uh, okay. The thing is, that’s kind of how the system works. So the alternative is to… retire?

Meanwhile, in the pitchers’ corner, we have Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels:

I’m not angry. I just feel a little … I can’t think of a good word. I’m a little surprised. It’s about respect, and when people don’t show that to you, you’re caught off guard. I thought it was a low blow.

I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me respect someone more than when they play the respect card.

I’m also comforted by the words of Fielder and Hamels. You think the kids don’t get it? You think that when the old guys leave, nobody will step in and take their place? Sure, we may never see Roger Clemens open his mouth and say something stupid again (don’t count on it), but rest assured that this rich tradition will continue with the next generation.

Seriously. Show a little respect.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

I know, what was the guy thinking? Well, aside from the fact that his job is to take pictures.

Although I don’t envy Clemens’ position, I also imagine that a different decision-making process over the past 20-25 years might have helped him avoid all this. Like, I sympathize but not too much, you know?

Anyway, he’s got some good quotes here, mostly about steroids and the Mitchell Report:

Everything’s been said that needs to be said on that. We’re moving forward. It’s baseball time… I think you ought to be asking baseball questions. I think it’s time to move on and get on with baseball.

I’m picking up two things from this:

1. Clemens doesn’t talk to the same people I talk to, because I haven’t found anyone who shares his opinion that “everything’s been said that needs to be said.” I know a lot of people (myself included) who are sick of the situation, and sick about it, but that’s not quite the same thing.
2. Clemens knows more about baseball reporting than baseball reporters do. Only ask questions that he deems appropriate. It’s the New World Order, yo.

In other news, Congress agrees more with the people I talk to than with Clemens. Seems pictures have surfaced (ah, now we see why he snapped at the photographer!) that place him at Jose Canseco’s party. Clemens, you recall, swore under oath that he didn’t attend said party.

Oh, that Jose Canseco. [Pregnant pause. Nervous laughter.] All I can say is that must’ve been one heckuva party.

Of course, there is a simple solution: Judge Alex.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

As always, additional comments are welcome.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

People suck…

Post from: Knuckle Curve