Clemens defense rests its case in perjury trial

[June 11, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The defense in the Roger Clemens perjury case has rested, without the former pitcher testifying.

After the defense said it had rested its case, the jury was cleared from the room and U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton asked Clemens if he was aware of his right not to testify.

Clemens came up to the podium, leaned in, and said, "Yes, sir, I am -- not testifying."

Walton asked him if he had a chance to discuss the decision with his lawyers.

Clemens replied, "Yes, Judge, I sure have."

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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The former director of security for the New York Yankees testified Monday that Brian McNamee, the chief accuser in the Roger Clemens perjury trial, can't be believed.

"I don't believe he could be believed under oath," said Gerald Laveroni, who was the team's security director from 2000-2010. McNamee, Clemens' former strength coach, has testified that he provided the former pitcher with performance-enhancing drugs. Clemens is on trial for lying to Congress when he denied using steroids or human growth hormone.

Laveroni, who overlapped with Clemens and McNamee in 2000 and 2001, said he was around McNamee every day.

Clemens' lawyer Rusty Hardin asked how much credibility McNamee has.

"Zero," Laveroni replied.

The defense plans to wrap up its case Monday in the Roger Clemens perjury trial, followed by rebuttal witnesses for the government. There's no indication the defense has any plan to put Clemens himself on the witness stand.

Prosecutor Steve Durham says he expects the rebuttal to take about a half-day.

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton said last week he wants the lawyers to give closing arguments Tuesday. He'll then send the case to the jury with his instructions.

The trial is now in its ninth week.

[Associated Press; By FREDERIC J. FROMMER]

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