Clemens accused of detailed plan to dodge steroids accusations

The New York Post carries a story that says Roger Clemens's 60 Minutes appearance may be part of a well thought out plan to deal with steroids charges.

Roger Clemens' next attempt to clear his name comes tonight on "60 Minutes." But well before the Mitchell Report accused Clemens of using steroids, the pitcher and his advisers were working on a battle plan to save his reputation.

The story appears full of intrigue.   Apparently Clemens knew of the PED accusations -- although on the 60 Minutes interview he denied that.

Clemens knew the report would include scandalous allegations by his pal, Brian McNamee, who told investigators he injected the hurler with steroids and human growth hormone multiple times.

Some close to the pitcher advocated a full-out attack even before the report was released on Dec. 13. The idea was to leak news of Clemens' alleged steroid use - and use the opportunity to slam McNamee.

The result would have been to question whether the ex-trainer - who has had two drunken-driving arrests, was once accused of rape and faced federal drug charges - could be believed.

But Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, and his agent, Randy Hendricks, rejected that strategy and instead advised the Rocket to stay quiet and endure the fallout.

However, a problem emerged -- Andy Pettitte who admitted he used HGH.

That strategy backfired when Andy Pettitte, Clemens close friend and training partner, came out two days later and admitted he twice took human growth hormone, supplied by McNamee.

Pettitte's statement was followed by a public appeal from Lance Berkman, Clemens ex-teammate, that the Rocket come clean - and by fresh steroid admissions from other players.

When Clemens finally denied the accusations on Dec. 18, five days after the report, it was far too late for some of the pitcher's friends and family members.

"He should have issued [his denial] the day the report came out," said a Clemens supporter. Some urged Clemens to dump his lawyer and agent, calling the two "Dumb and Dumber." Clemens' denials also drew the attention of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has invited Clemens, Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch to testify on Jan. 16. Despite the turmoil, Clemens himself appeared unconcerned

Does anyone think Clemens doesn't appear to be the sharpest tool in the shed?