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Best of the Clemens-McNamee hearing

February 13, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

Missed the 400-hour congressional hearing involving the testimonies from Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee regarding the Mitchell Report? No problem. Below are some of the juicier comments made by Clemens, McNamee and several house representatives who clearly had ulterior motives.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat to Clemens:
“If I walked in here and it was even Steven, you and Mr. McNamee, I must admit that the person I believe most & is Mr. Pettitte. When Mr. McNamee gave his testimony about Knoblauch and Pettitte, those allegations turned out to be true. But for some reason, … when it comes to you, it’s a whole ‘nother thing. … How do you explain this?”
Clemens then insisted one more time that Pettitte had “misheard” him.
“I’ve listened to you very carefully and I take you at your word. And you’re telling me that Andy Pettitte is an honest man, and his credibility is pretty much impeccable. … You said you were misunderstood. But all I’m saying is, it’s hard to believe. It’s hard to believe your story.
“I hate to say that. You’re one of my heroes. But it’s hard to believe you.”
Rep. Dan Burton, an Indiana Republican to McNamee:
“You’re here under oath, and yet we have lie after lie after lie after lie.”
“This is really disgusting. You’re here as a sworn witness, you’re here under oath, and yet we have lie after lie after lie. I know one thing I don’t believe, and that’s you.”
Henry Waxman, a California Democrat to Clemens:
“Excuse me, but this is not your time to argue with me.”
Christopher Shays, a Connecticut Republican to McNamee:
“You were a DRUG DEALER,” he bellowed. “You were dealing drugs.”
“That’s your opinion,” McNamee retorted.
“No,” Shays snapped. “That’s not opinion. You were dealing drugs. You’re telling me that as a former police officer, you weren’t dealing drugs?”
“Dealing in them?” McNamee answered. “Yes.”
“Were they LEGAL drugs?” Shays went on.
“No,” McNamee said, almost in a whisper.
“Then you were a drug dealer,” he said.
Clemens after Rep. Bruce Braley asked him if he was a vegan:
“I don’t know what that is,” Clemens replied. “I’m sorry.”

Burton hammering McNamee about his past lies was outstanding. That, and Clemens looking completely befuddled over being asked if he’s a vegan.

MLB

Kidd headed to Dallas?

February 13, 2008 / John Paulsen

ESPN is reporting that a deal is in the works that would send Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks.

The deal — salvaged from talks on a three-way trade with Portland that developed and fizzled quickly two weeks ago — has Dallas sending 24-year-old point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingman Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of center DeSagana Diop and swingman Devean George and guard Maurice Ager to New Jersey for Kidd and forward Malik Allen.
Sources say Dallas will also add the league-maximum $3 million in cash and send its first-round draft pick this June as well as a first-rounder in 2010.

Wow. Given the lopsided Gasol trade and Kidd’s demand to be moved, it looks like the Mavs are giving up an awful lot for a poor-shooting point guard that will turn 35 next month.

Before suffering an ankle injury, Devin Harris, 24, was enjoying something of a breakout season in his fourth year with Dallas. He is averaging 14.4 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Harris plus two first round picks is a lot to give up for Kidd.

For his part, Kidd will bring toughness and leadership to Dallas. He is also a terrific rebounder for a guard and is always a threat to post a triple-double. The problem is his age. At 35, he may only have a season or two left of productive play while Harris has all the tools to be a top 10 point guard for the next 8-10 years. With Dirk Nowitzki turning 30 this summer, it’s clear that the Mavs think that their window is closing and that they wanted to get Dirk as much help as possible to make a title run in the next two seasons.

I love the trade for the Nets. I never thought they would get a terrific prospect like Harris plus two first round picks AND salary cap flexibility. There is good reason to be optimistic in New Jersey/Brooklyn.

Fantasy Basketball, NBA, Rumors & Gossip

Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee Link Dump

February 13, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

With all of the he said, she said nonsense going on in the Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee debate, it’s enough for a blogger to go insane. So with that, here’s a link dump to insure that you’re all caught up on whom, when and where McNamee injected with HGH.

– Get live updates of the Clemens-McNamee hearing in progress at MLB.com

– Clemens suit against McNamee moved to federal court.

– McNamee says he injected Clemens more than previously stated.

– Andy Pettitte: Clemens discussed HGH.

P.S. At his testimony, Clemens is playing the “I don’t recall” card incredibly hard and McNamee just looks like a rat. Clemens just seems so pompous in everything he’s saying, but Indiana Representative Dan Burton smacked McNamee silly for his past lies to the New York Post and other media outlets.

MLB

Top 10 NFL Plays of the Year

February 12, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

The NFL Network recently broadcasted their Top 10 NFL Plays of the Year:

Joshua Cribbs’ return, Adrian Peterson’s run and Steve Smith refusing to be tackled were all uh-mazing.

NFL

The Rumor Mill (2/12)

February 12, 2008 / John Paulsen

Here are a few rumblings from around the league:

– Stan Van Gundy isn’t pleased with Dwight Howard’s recent play on defense. Van Gundy wants Howard to be more active in his help defense and be more of a force by blocking shots.

– Sam Cassell isn’t expecting the Clippers to buy him out or trade him to the Celtics, though he’d welcome the move.

– Isiah Thomas is still in charge of the Knicks and he’s shopping two of his latest acquisitions – Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry – around the league. Isn’t it the next guy’s job to clean up Isiah’s mess?

– Heat owner Mickey Arison feels fortunate that he was able to get out of Shaq’s remaining contract. Apparently, Shaq initiated the trade by having his agent call Arison and request a buyout.

– Through his agent, Jason Kidd told the Nets that he wants to play for a contender. If New Jersey sends him to a lottery team, his agent (Jeff Schwartz) has threatened to steer clients away from the Nets in the future.

– People give the Timberwolves grief for not getting enough in the Garnett trade. In a rarity, I’m going to come to Kevin McHale’s defense. Al Jefferson has been a beast thus far, averaging 21.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. He’s just 23 and Minnesota can build around him. Given what the Grizzlies got for Pau Gasol, I’d say Minny did pretty well.