FORMER BASEBALL GREAT Roger Clemens has been cleared of lying to Congress about taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Clemens, 49, faced a series of charges, including six counts of perjury, making false statements and obstructing Congress.
The allegations stemmed from a hearing in 2008, broadcast on national television.
During his 24-year playing career, Clemens repeatedly denied allegations of using steroids and human growth hormones.
An investigation which spanned five years has fallen apart after claims from Clemens’ strength coach, Brian McNamee, were dismissed.
McNamee was supposedly the only witness who had first-hand knowledge about the pitcher’s use of drugs, but his credibility – brought into question by defence lawyers – ensured the case was thrown out.
The prosecution acknowledged McNamee was a ‘flawed man’, leaving Clemens to hug his family in the courtroom after the verdict was announced.
In 2011, inadmissible evidence shown to the jury saw a mistrial declared, before another trial saw former New York Yankees player Andy Pettitte offer evidence which he later claimed had a ’50-50′ chance of being correct.
Clemens – who played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees (two stints) and the Houston Astros – was named the best pitcher in Major League Baseball on seven occasions.
