Jury seated for Clemens perjury trial

Roger Clemens (AP image)

WASHINGTON (KTRK) -- During a congressional hearing, former Astros star pitcher Roger Clemens made it clear he thought others were lying about his alleged steroid use. Now, Clemens is going on trial, accused of lying to congress during those hearings.

A jury of 10 women and two men will decide Clemens' fate. Ironically, the jury was selected on the same day as the All-Stall Game. Clemens himself isan11-time All-Star. He played with four different teams. Now, he's an accused liar. Even at the federal courthouse, Clemens is a star pitcher. As he left on Tuesday, a Yankee fan asked for an autograph. On Wednesday morning, federal prosecutors will outline their case against baseball's most decorated pitcher. His attorney Rusty Hardin will fire right back in what consultant Dr. Richard Waites believes to be the most important part of a trial. "Research shows that between 70 and 80 percent of jurors have established a clear leaning in the case by the end of opening statements before they've heard any evidence," Waites said. Clemens faces six counts of perjury stemming from this 2008 testimony in front of congress. Though his former trainer Brian McNamee and good friend Andy Pettite testified Clemens had experimented with performance enhancing drugs, he has always maintained his innocence. Much of the government's case rests on both witnesses. McGuire Woods Partner Patrick Rowan, who also used to be a federal prosecutor, says expect Hardin to skewer one in particular. "The defense wants this case to be about Brian McNamee, not about Roger Clemens," Rowan said. The trial is expected to last well into august. There will be physical evidence and hours upon hours of testimony. The government has been criticized for pursuing Clemens, and Rowan says it is a very real concern. "I think there's a real risk jurors will say you know what I don't care that much and between guilt and not guilty, I think not guilty sounds like I don't care," Rowan said. It's a case prosecutors have spent years on but despite all the accusations Clemens still has his loyal fans. "He's my favorite pitcher. Hopefully the best works out for him," Yankee fan Tom O'Brien said. Clemens is not expected to take the stand but that could change. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Sports »

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