Just three days after the “A-Roid” bomb exploded on baseball, five-time All-Star and former AL MVP Miguel Tejada has been convicted of lying to Congress about his use of steroids – and of withholding his knowledge of steroid use by other players.
Tejada will appear in U.S. District Court tomorrow morning to sign a plea agreement, and is expected to avoid jail time.
Meanwhile, the FBI is also considering launching an investigation into whether or not Roger Clemens also lied to Congress during a series of high-profile hearings into steroid use in baseball that were held back in 2005.
Additionally, Barry Bonds is scheduled to go on trial next month for obstructing justice in his steroids-related case.
Tejada – who was caught last year lying about his age – has hit 271 home runs in 11 seasons with the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and most recently, the Houston Astros.
As with Alex Rodriguez’s stunning admission yesterday that he lied to the press about his steroid use, it is unclear how Tejada’s situation will impact his playing career and professional endorsements.
One PR executive says that apologies may help with fans, but are unlikely to bring back nervous sponsors.
“The Mickey Mantle era of sports idols has been over for a long time, and in a world of Bernie Madoff, government bailouts and bank collapses, our sports heroes too are not true heroes or trustworthy,†said Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5W Public Relations. “A-Rod’s televised confession was handled in a wise manner, and he will continue to make millions on the field … but certainly not off it with endorsements.â€
By Rob W. February 11, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Just so you know, investigators have (up until now) spent $55 million of your hard-earned tax dollars on this case. Money that could have been spent actually preventing crimes (real crimes that hurt people) or actually educating students is instead being blown chasing a few high-profile baseball players who have only hurt themselves.