Houston Blogs: Houston Sports Blog

McGwire's Brother a Lowlife

Mark McGwire made mistakes. He knows that. He's probably embarassed and hurt at what has happened to his previously good name when the steroid allegations came out and there has never been a denial or even a comment about it. HIs good name is ruined for now. So along comes McGwire's roidhead brother trying to peddle a book to further smear his brother's name. Jay McGwire and Mark reportedly have'nt spoken in five years, but Jay says he's written the book to help his brother come clean and find repentance. What a load ! All he wants to do is make a quick buck off his brother's missteps. I've always thought that family is family...for good and bad. Hopefully this dirtball's words never get published.

VIDEO: Rusty Hardin uncut on Roger Clemens

A day after a heated debate on Capitol Hill, Roger Clemens and his attorney Rusty Hardin are back home in Houston. Here is Hardin uncut about Roger.

If using RSS, click through to the blog to see the video window.

Today's damning evidence against Roger

I thought from the beginning, the one thing Roger Clemens should fear most would be the testimony of Andy Pettitte. Andy may have done things he shouldn't have done, but once he admitted to his use of HGH, it should have been a sign that when confronted, he would tell the truth as he knew it.

Today Andy did just that and it is the most damning evidence against Roger.

Some want to look at the syringes and bloody gauze, but those seem to "prove" nothing. There has been no control over those items…Roger has already admitted Brian McNamee shot him with B-12 and lidocaine, which would explain his DNA if it's found on those items.

But as one committee member said today, you look for something or someone to side with either Roger or McNamee, and today that was Andy Pettitte.

Tim Melton

Clemens and McNamee, together again in the same room

Wednesday will be an interesting day on Capitol Hill.  The House Oversight Committee's hearing on the use of performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball is what they call a one-panel hearing.  That means each of the three witnesses, Roger Clemens, Brian McNamee and Charlie Scheeler of the Mitchell Report will be in the same room together answering questions at the same time.  It will be the first time Clemens and McNamee will be in the same room since the steroids scandal broke and everyone will be watching for any sign of tension between the two. 

Clemens spent the day meeting one-on-one with 7 more members of the committee bringing the total, according to my count, to 25.  There are 41 committee members. 

The opening statement Clemens will read is complete.  His attorney, Rusty Hardin, says the Rocket wrote it himself with no help from is expensive lawyers.  Clemens and his wife, Debbie, spent Tuesday night relaxing at their hotel. 

Those who have participated in a Congressional hearing tell me it's an experience like no other.  There are distractions.  People are coming and going and cameras are clicking.  Meantime, the witness must concentrate on the questions members are asking.  Both Clemens and McNamee will feel the hot lights and the pressure.  A lot is at stake.  Remember, the feds are watching.

Jessica Willey

Bob Allen talks to Nolan Ryan about Roger Clemens

A lot is on the line for Roger Clemens as the scene shifts to Washington next week for Congressional hearings.

For another perspective, Bob Allen talked with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan from his ranch in Gonzales today.

Like Clemens, Ryan was a power pitcher who was successful for 26 seasons. Roger's pitched for 24.

Ryan didn’t say whether he believed him or not, but did say it was possible for Clemens to have the career he had without any outside help.

LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE UNCUT CONVERSATION HERE

What are your thoughts?

 

I could be wrong...

But it seems there are a lot of people who can't wait for Roger Clemens to struggle in New York.  Which is not out of the question, he will be 45 and despite being one of the best in the big leagues while in Houston, the body does break down.   I'm almost 45 and my body aches just sitting here.  Still some would like to see Roger go out in style.  I don't see it.

It looks like the Rockets will make a change at Head Coach.  Change is sometimes good and it will be in this case.  The Rockets need a fresh approach, one that will take them to the next level.  Who do you think would make a good head coach for the Rockets?.

Bob Slovak

DOES BONDS DESERVE THE HOME RUN RECORD?

Barry Bonds reported to camp this week and was cornered with question about steroids again...Is it time to get off his back and enjoy his quest for the most hallowed record in baseball, Hank Aarons career home run mark? Bonds is 22 home runs away and should break it this year. If Barry used performance enhancing drugs during his career does it taint it? Did he cheat? Do you care if he did?

Professional athletes have been looking for advantages since they started competing. Steroids don't make you hit home runs. They can make you recover faster and help build muscles but can't put the bat on the ball. And we know that historically lots of players have cheated one way or another. And  those are just the ones that got caught. With millions of dollars in salaries available can you blame them? Not that it's right, but if you were a borderline player with a family and had a chance to keep the big league checks coming in anyone might be tempted.

Baseball popularity was low before Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa's 1998 single season home run chase. But the national spotlight was back on baseball as they chased down Roger Maris for the season record. Baseball officials knew what was going on but it was bringing back baseball popularity, So they turned their head. 

It seems to me most of the fuss is on the radio talk shows and national sports shows. Not so much at the local watering holes..It seems the media for the most part doesn't like Bonds because Barry is a jerk and he deosn't like the media.  Is it fair to diminish his accomplishments because of that?

The bottom line to me is ...When I am at the game with my kids we want to enjoy the game and the experience. From my seat in the stands we don't care what they did to their body or the effects on their long term health as long as I see a good game.  Isn't that what it's all about?.. . How do you feel?

Robert