Roger and the Clemens' factor

Being a BoSox fan since the late 1980's, I grew up being a fan of Clemens. I even rooted for him when he packed his bags, and was essentially kicked out of the clubhouse by former Sox General Manager, Dan Ducette and Roger signed with Toronto. But, from the moment he was traded, not his fault because being traded meant he had no real say-so, to the MF Yankees, I wanted to see him get smoked anytime the Sox faced him. Moreover, I cheered when he got smacked around in many playoff games.

The baseball world is being rocked right now because of the Mitchell Report on steroids/human growth hormone used by baseball players in the past. Roger was named in said report, and only until a few hours ago, had no comment. He has officially denied using any substance via a written statement.

Baseball is going through a rough time, and as a fan of the game, this will be hard to watch. But, there's an old saying that goes something like, you gotta crawl, dig through the shit to reach the light. Baseball has just begun this ugly, ugly, nasty, journey, and I whole-heartedly support it. Baseball will be better for it, and if that causes some of my then favorite players, or even now players to go down with the ship...then so be it.

By denying it, in the face of mounds of circumstantial evidence (including his personal trainer testifying under oath that he injected Roger in the ass with something), Roger risks looking even more like the arrogant, bulldog, ass he has always been loved for. (He once threw the ball at his pregnant wife as they were playing, and when she actually hit the ball he pitched, the guy hit her with the next pitch...this is the bulldog, competitor we've seen these last 20 years.)

But, now he will be hated for it. Perhaps the greatest pitcher we have seen pitcher in my generation, may turn out to have been a total fraud...is tough thing to swallow. And, deep down I still respect Roger, but this will wipe away that respect, and leave total sadness and humiliation in my heart.