The seven-time Cy Young award winner Roger Clemens denied the allegations of his former personal trainer Brian McNamee. Clemens was accused of using steroids and human growth hormone, and appeared in the famous Mitchell Report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

McNamee declared in the report that Clemens used illegal substances at least 16 times while pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 and for the Yankees in 2000 and 2001. Contrary to that, Clemens said: “I want to state clearly and without qualifications: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life.”

The statement disagrees with what McNamee told George Mitchell, after signing a proffer agreement with federal prosecutors. Several of the prosecutors said the agreement added credibility to McNamee’s testimony, who would have to face severe penalties if it were discovered he had lied.

Although the former personal trainer’s statement is not backed up by real evidence, he would risk a lot if lying, and he could be asked to testify under oath. McNamee previously denied knowing anything about steroid use, but according to his lawyer, that was probably because he was trying to protect his reputation and his players.

In the meantime, Clemens seems more preoccupied about the fact that he has been dragged into this situation without being given the benefit of a doubt. “I am disappointed that my 25 years in public life have apparently not earned me the benefit of the doubt, but I understand that Senator Mitchell’s report has raised many serious questions. I plan to publicly answer all of those questions at the appropriate time in the appropriate way. I only ask that in the meantime, people not rush to judge.”