Rocket Refused to Address 'Roids Allegations: Mitchell

Players were notified of accusations in advance
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 14, 2008 3:10 PM CST
Rocket Refused to Address 'Roids Allegations: Mitchell
Former senator George Mitchell delivers his remarks at a New York news conference about his report on the illegal use of steroids in baseball in this Dec. 13, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)   (Associated Press)

Roger Clemens twice declined entreaties by George Mitchell to respond to allegations that he had used steroids, USA Today reports. Mitchell said that last summer and fall, as his investigation developed, he sent the players union requests to interview players who faced accusations of drug use. Clemens never responded, Mitchell said.

Clemens said last week that he did not take Mitchell seriously because he was unaware of new allegations from trainer Brian McNamee. His lawyer says the pitcher thought the interveiw requests stemmed from an affidavit by acknowledged steroids user Jason Grimsley that ultimately made no mention of Clemens. "Obviously if I had known what McNamee was saying about me I would have been there,” Clemens said. (More Mitchell Report stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X