Baseball legend Roger Clemens acquitted on all charges

Baseball legend Roger Clemens was found not guilty on Monday of lying to Congress during an investigation of steroid use among major league players. Clemens was charged with one count of obstruction of Congress, three counts of making false statements, and two counts of perjury. He was not charged with illicit use of performance enhancing drugs, but his denial of drug usage was part of the case against him. The legendary baseball pitcher was acquitted on all six charges by a federal jury.

After the not guilty verdict was announced, Clemens wiped his eyes and hugged his likewise emotional sons. Rusty Hardin, his attorney, gave a thumbs-up to the jury before leaving the courtroom. Judge Reggie Walton said, “Mr. Clemens, you’re free to go.” Clemens thanked his family, lawyers, and others who supported him during the trial and in the years since he was accused of using illicit performance enhancing drugs. “I put a lot of hard work into that career,” he told reporters, choking on tears. “I appreciate my teammates that came in, and all the e-mails and phone calls.”