ESPN: Clemens Named In Mitchell Report

This isn't good, but it also wouldn't be too surprising.

A former New York Yankee strength trainer says information he supplied to the George Mitchell investigation regarding supplying Roger Clemens with steroids is included in the Mitchell report scheduled to be released later today, a source close to the trainer told ESPN The Magazine's Shaun Assael.

Brian McNamee, who worked for the Yankees and as a personal trainer for Clemens and Yankee teammates Andy Pettitte, also told investigators that on at least one occasion, Clemens was in possession of steroids from another supplier, the source said.

The source said McNamee told investigators he supplied Clemens with steroids while Clemens was witih the Yankees, and prior to Clemens joining the team.

Also, The Bergen (N.J.) Record, citing a baseball industry official, says "several" prominent Yankees will be named in the Mitchell report. The paper said the source spoke to a third party who had seen the final report.

"It's going to be a rough day in the Bronx," the paper quoted the source as saying.

Clemens came to the Yankees to get a ring, the Yankees didn't pick up the Rocket to win a championship. Anyone who knows anything about baseball realizes that. I've always respected Roger's ability and desire, but he was never a key cog to the Yankees championship run. Take a long look at his postseason track record, and you will see some underwhelming performances.

Should Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neil, Tino Martinez and/or Jorge Posada be proven (not rumored) to be PED users, it would be a crushing blow to Yankees fans.

Linkage: Roids & Results

Looks like this Mitchell report is not just a publicity stunt drowned by inconclusiveness after all. Unnamed sources have already begun prophesizing the report as "enormous," and "salacious." Don't take my word for it, check out Buster Olney's piece. Nice lead as well:

Some officials came away from a 30-team Major League Baseball conference call held mid-day Friday with the understanding that the forthcoming Mitchell report would include many names; names which have so far not been disclosed publicly; and the names of well-known players.

If this report is as credible and groundbreaking as Olney implies, it appears Major League Baseball will again be on the hook as the foremost culprits for doping in American athletics. Fair or unfair, the National Football League and international sports like track or cycling are either too important or too obscure to warrant equal time.

If Olney's sources prove reliable, the elusive report could make it's debut as early as the conclusion of the World Series and as late as January of 2008.

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