Published: 6/18/2012 - Updated: 11 months ago

Clemens acquitted of perjury charges

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, left, with his attorney Rusty Hardin, far right, arrives at federal court in Washington for the verdict in his trial on charges of lying to Congress in 2008 when he denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs. ASSOCIATED PRESS Enlarge

WASHINGTON — 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 today 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.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. If a comment violates these standards or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report abuse. To post comments, you must be a Facebook member. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.