Roger Clemens’s lawyers are pulling out all the stops to clear his name that was sullied by the Mitchell Report. They’re now using private investigators to try to discredit Brian McNamee, the informant whose sordid tales of sticking needles in Clemens’ butt made him a central figure in the case. But all the facts won’t do them a lick of good if they keep comparing George Mitchell to 1950s Commie-hunter Joseph McCarthy. In fact, it could potentially get Clemens locked up.

“There are certain standards that must be employed to name someone. We learned 60 years ago the lasting effect that has. Didn’t we have stuff 60 years ago in which allegations that someone told a Senate committee tainted people? I am very uncomfortable with that atmosphere.”

The Clemens team is walking a fine line because attacks on McNamee’s or Mitchell’s credibility could raise questions with either federal authorities or Congress. The federal authorities could seek to question Clemens directly, and even though not under oath, he would be in legal jeopardy if he did not answer truthfully.

Damn, Rafael Palmiero, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens could all potentially end up in jail for lying under oath. We wonder who the first is to become a prison bitch. We’re thinking the guy who can chuck a prison field rock 100 MPH is last on the list.

Clemens’s Legal Team Adds Private Investigators [NY Times]
Image [SI/arras.net]