Some claim that Roger Clemens' legacy has been tarnished by recent events. In a hit piece in the New York Daily News, four "expert" writers (Michael O'Keefe, Nathaniel Vinton, Teri Thompson and Christian Red), pathetically attempt to explain why Clemens cannot win, even if he is exonerated in his perjury trial.

The first thing that is attacked is the respect Clemens has enjoyed. Once the Mitchell Report named him, it dropped precipitously.

Next is the belief that Clemens, once a first-ballot Hall of Famer, will get in only if he pays the admission fee.

There is no doubt that Clemens has lost respect, which is a reflection not on Clemens, but on the American people. Clemens is not on trial for using performance-enhancing substances. He is being accused of lying to Congress.

When the Mitchell Report was released, Clemens vehemently denied its accuracy. His attorney, Rusty Hardin, told Sports Illustrated "He is left with no meaningful way to combat what he strongly contends are totally false allegations."

When he had the chance to present his side to Congress, Clemens jumped. In America, individuals that defended themselves used to be admired. The courage to stand up for the truth, to stand up for what one believes in and to stand up to one's accusers were the way heroes acted.

That was a long time ago. Clemens has been accused of perjury. It doesn't matter what he is accused of lying about. All that must matter to the jury is whether or not the government prosecutors have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Clemens lied. That's it.

Now to the Hall of Fame.

If Clemens is exonerated, it means that he didn't lie to Congress. Now the content of the allegations becomes critical.

If he didn't lie to Congress about not using substance-enhancing substances, the only possible conclusion one can reach is that when Roger Clemens told the world that he didn't use substance-enhancing substances, he told the truth.

Of course, most Americans won't accept that. The Hall of Fame voters won't accept that. The New York Daily News writers are right on target.

Clemens legacy and respect have been tarnished forever. What a sad comment.