Roger Clemens Acquitted On All Charges

JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer

June 18, 2012 5:23 PM

Former all-star baseball pitcher Roger Clemens (L) and his attorney Rusty Hardin (C) arrive at the U.S. District Court after the jury announced it has a verdict in Clemens’ perjury and obstruction trial June 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The jury found Clemens not guilty on all counts. / (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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MLB, Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Roger Clemens has been acquitted on all charges by a jury that decided he didn’t lie to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Jurors returned their verdict Monday after close to 10 hours of deliberation. The outcome brings an end to a 10-week trial that capped an expensive, five-year investigation into one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball.

The 49-year-old Clemens was accused of perjury, making false statements and obstructing Congress when he testified at a deposition and at a nationally-televised hearing in February 2008. The charges centered on his repeated denials that he used steroids and human growth hormone during his 24-year career.

The verdict is the latest blow to the government’s pursuit of athletes accused of drug use.