I’m sure that New York is happy that it isn’t relying on Roger Clemens to sell Yankees tickets any longer. The former Yankees pitcher recently was forced to deny, vehemently, and inexplicably, in front of congress, any use of performance enhancing drugs. It was hard to believe.

Now, with allegations that he had an affair with a 15-year-old country singer, Mindy McCready, when he was a 28-year-old Boston Red Sox ace, married, and the father of two children, Clemens integrity is clearly in question. He was forced to apologize Monday for mistakes in his personal life, but he’s added clarification to the claims, only increasing speculation.

No doubt, some of the claims made are probably inaccurate, as claims go, but there is also truth to the fact that Clemens has not been the sterling example of honesty that he tried to portray himself as during the congressional hearings a few months ago.

This sheds doubt on his testimony about performance enhancing drugs. If he’s willing to lie to his wife and children about his sexual behavior, what would stop him from lying to everyone else about drug use?

It’s a difficult issue for the superstar, who’s legacy as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers is in danger. The consequences could prove tragic for everyone involved. Cheating never helps anyone.

This was not a day that Roger Clemens was looking forward to. No one wants to have to defend the honor of their name on Capital Hill. But that was where he sat, facing allegations from his former trainer, Brian McNamee, that he used performance enhancing drugs in an attempt to enhance his incredible career.

Their seating placement was slightly awkward. They sat one seat apart, with only the lawyer, Charlie Scheeler, between them.

Clemens asserted:

“I have never used steroids, human growth hormone or any other type of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Sen. Mitchell’s conclusions that steroids have no place in baseball.”

This stood in stark contrast to McNamee’s testimony that he did inject Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone.

All in all, it was a sad but necessary day for baseball. Hopefully it will bring about the truth regarding Mr. Clemens, whatever it may be. Hopefully the full investigation by Congress will bring to light the bigger truth, that the use of these substances is rampant and out of control in professional baseball. Hopefully new regulations will be put in place to keep the game clean. Hopefully we can return to more positive issues with the sport.

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