The “Rocket” has crashed and burned.
Former Yankee pitching ace Roger Clemens was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of lying at a congressional hearing about his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs — and he now faces 30 years in prison.
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner — once a lock to make the Baseball Hall of Fame — was charged with one count of obstruction of Congress, three counts of making false statements, and two counts of perjury in connection with his February 2008 testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
After taking an oath and swearing to tell the truth, the flame-throwing righthander denied using steroids or growth hormones, despite conflicting testimony from his longtime trainer, Brian McNamee, and his teammate and close friend, Andy Pettitte.
“The Department of Justice takes referrals from congressional committees very seriously,” said US Attorney Ronald Machen, who is prosecuting the case in Washington.
“Our government cannot function if witnesses are not held accountable for false statements made before Congress. Today the message is clear: If a witness makes a choice to ignore his or her obligation to testify honestly, there will be consequences.”
If convicted of all charges, Clemens, 48, faces a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine
Full story: Steroid denial in DC could send Roger Clemens to pen for 30 years – NYPOST.com