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Canseco: I never saw Clemens ask for steroids

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

February 13, 2008

WASHINGTON - Former major leaguer Jose Canseco told Congress in a sworn affidavit that he has never seen Roger Clemens "use, possess or ask for steroids or human growth hormone."

The affidavit, dated Jan. 22, was obtained yesterday by the AP. It is part of the evidence gathered by the congressional committee looking at drugs in baseball.

"I have never had a conversation with Clemens in which he expressed any interest in using steroids or human growth hormone," Canseco said in the affidavit. "Clemens has never asked me to give him steroids or human growth hormone, and I have never seen Clemens use, possess or ask for steroids or human growth hormone."

Canseco continued: "I have played on three teams with Roger Clemens and I have no reason to believe that he has ever used steroids, human growth hormone, or any other performance-enhancing drugs."

According to Clemens' former trainer Brian McNamee, Clemens first raised the subject of steroids not long after McNamee saw Canseco and Clemens at a June 1998 party at Canseco's home in Miami. At the time, Canseco and Clemens were teammates on the Blue Jays and McNamee was working for the team.

In his affidavit, Canseco said, "I specifically recall that Clemens did not come to the barbecue. I remember this because I was disappointed that he did not attend. I later learned that he had a golfing commitment that day and could not attend the party."

In his affidavit, the existence of which was first reported by the AP Saturday, Canseco also disputes other statements of McNamee in the Mitchell Report. The affidavit also says "neither [former] Sen. Mitchell nor anyone working with him" contacted Canseco to attempt to corroborate things McNamee said.

Two of McNamee's lawyers did not immediately return calls for comment yesterday. But on Saturday, McNamee lawyer Earl Ward said he did not think Canseco's affidavit would be meaningful.

Reached yesterday by the AP, Canseco said: "I've been told not to say anything." His lawyer said Canseco would not attend today's hearing.