Projo Sports Blog

Roger Clemens put himself back on public view Tuesday, and his message was the same as it has been all along -- he insists he is innocent of all charges made against him.

Clemens appeared on the ``Mike and Mike'' show on ESPN radio and television, and flatly denied charges by former trainer Brian McNamee on the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

``It's impossible, because he's never given me any. It's as simple as that,'' Clemens said.

Clemens said he has cooperated with all inquiries.

``I did it right out of the gate willingly,'' he said. ``I've done everything they've asked.''

Clemens said he agreed to the interview because a new book, "American Icon," is due out Tuesday. It details more allegations against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. Still, even in the face of mounting evidence against him, Clemens denies all. He insists he would have been foolish to use such drugs.

``Common sense. Our family has a history of heart conditions,'' he said. ``My brother had a heart attack in his late 40s. My step-dad died of heart attack. It would be suicidal for me to even think about taking any of these dangerous drugs.''

Those who say otherwise, Clemens said, are wrong.

They include former teammate Andy Pettitte. Asked about Pettitte's statements that the two had spoken about such drugs, Clemens responded the same way he did when testifying before Congress.

``My reaction is just the same as before. Andy misremembers,'' Clemens said.

``It's been a game of piling on,'' Clemens said. ``I was informed this book was coming out. I thought we ought to be able to talk about it. ... I've seen excerpts of the book and they're completely false. ... It's hurtful at times, but I'm moving on.''

 Tags  Andy Pettitte ESPN Roger Clemens steroids

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