Clemens has staged a double-barreled attack in defense of his reputation. Last week, he issued a statement denying that he ever used illegal substances, as his former trainer told the Mitchell investigation. This week he forcefully repeated his denial on a video broadcast over the Internet.
Two congressional hearings are scheduled for next month. Neither committee has called any players as witnesses. But Clemens, with his stern denials, might have caught their attention.
US Representative Henry Waxman of California, who is chairman of a House oversight committee, might be intrigued enough to subpoena Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, as witnesses to try to get to the truth of the matter: Did he or didn't he use steroids? And, an even bigger issue, how reliable is the Mitchell report?
Had Clemens waited to issue his denial, he would probably have avoided raising congressional curiosity. Now he might have stirred it.
If Clemens is subpoenaed and has to testify under oath, will he repeat his denial? Could he repeat his denial without fear of penalty? Could he leave the hearing with his integrity intact? Or would he be a victim of his own words, like McGwire, and become a baseball pariah and a Hall of Fame loser?
As little as we might think of these congressmen, who conduct hearings seeking publicity, a Clemens appearance before Waxman's committee could be the highlight of the off-season. His reputation and integrity would be at stake. It would be the best reality show of the television season.
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