Maroon87
02-28-2008, 01:07 PM
Associated Press
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Roger Clemens' 10-year personal services contract with the Houston Astros could be affected by a possible perjury investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids.
Astros owner Drayton McLane said Thursday he might reconsider the deal -- which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires -- in light of Clemens' legal issues.
"That makes it more complex, it sure does," McLane said. "We'll just have to look at that and see what transpires. We'll have to evaluate it at the time."
Before throwing batting practice to minor leaguers Thursday at Astros camp, Clemens offered a terse response to a question about the congressional request for a Justice Department investigation into whether he lied under oath during questioning.
"I'm going to handle it the right way," said Clemens, who arrived at about 11 a.m. "You guys are wasting your time. We're going to handle it the right way."
He then began his batting practice session on the mound.
As it is, McLane isn't thrilled about the attention Clemens is drawing at the Astros' spring training camp, where the seven-time Cy Young Award winner has been throwing batting practice to minor leaguers.
"That brings a lot of media here and the only regrettable part is it takes the focus off of baseball," McLane said.
Clemens' contract with the Astros allows him to work with the minor leaguers, including his oldest son, Koby.
McLane said he hasn't spoken to Clemens about his contract since before he testified in February, answering allegations of steroid use brought by former personal trainer Brian McNamee. Tal Smith, the Astros' president of baseball operations, and Clemens' agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, were also involved in that last conversation.
"We all agreed that we would just see where this led," McLane said. "We'll just see what transpires. The real important factor is what steps will the government take? We'll have to wait and see."
Clemens played for the Astros from 2004 to 2006. He also worked out at Astros camp last season before deciding in May to play for the New York Yankees.
McLane said he'll also wait before deciding if he'd want Clemens to play for the Astros again if he decided to make one more comeback.
"We're going to have to wait and see what happens," McLane said. "The last year, he didn't make his decision until May. The year before, it was about May before he made a decision. This is still cold February.
"This is down the road if it's true to form to what's occurred the last two years. It's too early."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Roger Clemens' 10-year personal services contract with the Houston Astros could be affected by a possible perjury investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids.
Astros owner Drayton McLane said Thursday he might reconsider the deal -- which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires -- in light of Clemens' legal issues.
"That makes it more complex, it sure does," McLane said. "We'll just have to look at that and see what transpires. We'll have to evaluate it at the time."
Before throwing batting practice to minor leaguers Thursday at Astros camp, Clemens offered a terse response to a question about the congressional request for a Justice Department investigation into whether he lied under oath during questioning.
"I'm going to handle it the right way," said Clemens, who arrived at about 11 a.m. "You guys are wasting your time. We're going to handle it the right way."
He then began his batting practice session on the mound.
As it is, McLane isn't thrilled about the attention Clemens is drawing at the Astros' spring training camp, where the seven-time Cy Young Award winner has been throwing batting practice to minor leaguers.
"That brings a lot of media here and the only regrettable part is it takes the focus off of baseball," McLane said.
Clemens' contract with the Astros allows him to work with the minor leaguers, including his oldest son, Koby.
McLane said he hasn't spoken to Clemens about his contract since before he testified in February, answering allegations of steroid use brought by former personal trainer Brian McNamee. Tal Smith, the Astros' president of baseball operations, and Clemens' agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, were also involved in that last conversation.
"We all agreed that we would just see where this led," McLane said. "We'll just see what transpires. The real important factor is what steps will the government take? We'll have to wait and see."
Clemens played for the Astros from 2004 to 2006. He also worked out at Astros camp last season before deciding in May to play for the New York Yankees.
McLane said he'll also wait before deciding if he'd want Clemens to play for the Astros again if he decided to make one more comeback.
"We're going to have to wait and see what happens," McLane said. "The last year, he didn't make his decision until May. The year before, it was about May before he made a decision. This is still cold February.
"This is down the road if it's true to form to what's occurred the last two years. It's too early."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press