One of the main themes put forth by Roger Clemens’ defense team is that Clemens was such an incredibly hard worker that he could never have used anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Rusty Hardin and his co-counsel feel that if they can prove that Clemens has an unparalleled work ethic, they can prove he did not use PEDs. And the government seems to be playing right into their plan. The New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, and practically every other prosecution witness, has testified that Clemens was the hardest-working player they have ever come across.
The common public perception of steroid users is one in which athletes are seeking shortcuts to success and use steroids as a substitute for discipline and hard-work. Steroids are a substitute for hard work. In other words, it’s the lazy athletes that turn to steroids. How could it be possible that the hardest-working pitcher in Major League Baseball turned to steroids?
Of course, the answer is that anabolic steroid use and hard work are not mutually exclusive contrary to the popular perception. It could be argued that steroid users actually work harder than non-steroid users. But it will be quite a challenge for prosecutors to undo some of the misinformation regarding steroids that has become so deeply ingrained in public opinion.
Cashman told Rusty Hardin during cross-examination that Clemens was head and shoulders above everyone else when it came to his work ethic.
“No one worked harder than Roger Clemens,” said Cashman. “He was determined to win. He was off the charts in work ethic and desire.”
Cashman has joined other prosecution witness who have praised Clemens as an athlete who was successful because he worked harder than everyone else.
Former teammate Andy Pettitte, convicted steroid dealer Kirk Radomski, Houston Astros head team physician Dr. David Lintner all painted a positive picture of Roger Clemens as a disciplined and dedicated leader.
When prosecution witnesses sound like defense witnesses, you wonder if their is any hope for the hapless government prosecutors wasting taxpayer money on a celebrity steroid witch-hunt.
Source:
Marimow, A. & Wilbur, DQ (May 11, 2012). Roger Clemens trial: Yankees GM Brian Cashman testifies favorably on pitcher’s work ethic. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/roger-clemens-trial-yankees-gm-brian-cashman-testifies-favorably-on-pitchers-work-ethic/2012/05/10/gIQALIhfGU_story.html
Frommer, F. (May 11, 2012). Cashman not ideal gov’t witness in Clemens case. Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/cashman-not-ideal-govt-witness-clemens-case-074929053–spt.html
