A judge assigned to Roger Clemens’ perjury case issued a gag order on Monday banning public comments because it could influence the jury.
A federal jury indicted Clemens on Thursday for allegedly obstructing a congressional inquiry with fifteen different statements made under oath. These included perjury statements regarding his use of steroids.
Clemens, a seven-time winner of the MLB’s Cy Young pitching award, is accused of lying to Congress about using steroids. If found guilty, he will join the ranks of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and Pete Rose for cheating the game of baseball.
A federal grand jury in Washington indicted Clemens on six counts of obstructing Congress, giving false statements and perjury. He faces up to 21 months in prison if convicted.
In sworn statements, he told lawmakers and staff members that he never used steroids
Clemens was bound for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The eligibility of Clemens, Bonds (762) and Sammy Sosa (609) to the hall may be in doubt because of allegations of steroid use. All have denied using banned substances. A player is eligible five years after he retires.
U.S. Judge Reginald Walton will schedule Clemens, who has not been arrested, for arraignment.
No date has been set for Clemens’ initial court appearance. The former pitcher faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine if convicted on all charges.