J.K. Rolling

Author: Jeff Klein

After listening to Roger Clemens' "60 Minutes" interview on Jan. 6, I think I speak for a vast number of people in asserting that I simply don't know what to believe concerning Clemens and his alleged involvement in the ongoing steroids saga.

Listening to Clemens vehemently deny accusations that he was injected with performance-enhancing substances only sparks more vigorous debate on whether he is innocent or guilty. Former trainer Brian McNamee asserted to investigators in the Mitchell Report - which was released on Dec.13 - that he provided Clemens with anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) and personally injected him at least eight to 10 times.

Yet on Sunday, Clemens fired back at his critics with an array of emotionally charged responses. Questioned by CBS' Mike Wallace, Clemens unequivocally stated that he had never - NEVER - used any performance enhancing substances in his career, further implying that McNamee's claims were complete fabrication.

Clemens attributed his excellence and longevity in MLB to his tireless work ethic and intense workout regimen. He further referred to steroids and other performance enhancers as "a quick fix," which would ultimately lead to an athlete's demise and a route that he personally would never take.

Wallace's questions were probing, unrelenting. He asked if Clemens would both testify under oath and submit to a lie detector test. In both cases, Clemens answered in the affirmative.

Before this interview, I was almost positive that Clemens was guilty. I lumped him in with past and current players who have already admitted to using banned substances or other players implicated in the Mitchell Report. Now I don't know what to believe.

Part of me - the cynical part - is certain of Clemens' guilt. How many times are we going to see professional athletes go down the path of denial in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary? Barry Bonds continues to maintain he never took steroids, but how many people honestly believe him?

Anyone remember Rafael Palmeiro who, in March of 2005 while testifying under oath, repeatedly waved his finger and stated, "I have never used steroids, period"? In August of that year, Palmeiro was suspended by MLB for testing positive for, of all things, steroids. So why in my right mind would I believe Clemens?

But the other part of me - the hopeful part - thinks that maybe, for once, the athlete in this case is not the villain. Recognizing past missteps by MLB players, especially Palmeiro, would Clemens really be so stupid as to choose the same route? Would someone stoop as low as to appear on "60 Minutes" and then lie to the entire nation? Was his overall appearance - his decisive answers, his firm body language, his incredulity over being accused of cheating - one big act?

I just can't fathom it. I want to believe that if Clemens were guilty, he'd own up to it like a man, for the good of himself, Major League Baseball and every baseball fan in the world.

But for now, it looks like the guessing games will continue.