Clemens' Federal Trial Begins

05:41

July 13, 2011

Bob Oakes

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens, right, and his attorney Rusty Hardin arrive at federal court in Washington, Wednesday. (AP)

Opening statements will be delivered Wednesday in Washington in the federal court trial of former Red Sox ace Roger Clemens.

At issue is whether Clemens lied to Congress in testimony in 2008 when he denied using performance enhancing drugs, despite claims by others to the contrary.

Clemens maintains that he didn't use drugs during a 24-season career in which he set pitching records.

Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan joined Morning Edition Wednesday to talk about the trial and what's ahead for Clemens.

This program aired on July 13, 2011.