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Clemens told to prove innocence or return awards
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has called on Roger Clemens to give up four of his Cy Young Awards if he cannot clear his name after allegations in the Mitchell report that he used steroids.
While Clemens has denied allegations detailed by former Sen. George Mitchell's report into doping in Major League Baseball, Schilling wrote in his blog (38pitches.com) that he believes Clemens must take legal action to prove his innocence.
"Roger has denied every allegation brought to the table," Schilling wrote.
"So as a fan my thought is that Roger will find a way in short order to organize a legal team to guarantee a retraction of the allegations made, a public apology is made, and his name is completely cleared.
"If he doesn't do that then there aren't many options as a fan for me other than to believe his career 192 wins and three Cy Youngs he won prior to 1997 were the end.
"From that point on the numbers were attained through using PEDs (performance enhancing drugs) ... if that is the case with Roger, the four Cy Youngs should go to the rightful winners and the numbers should go away if he cannot refute the accusations."
PROFOUND EFFECT
Clemens, 45, who was 6-6 last season for the Yankees after joining them midway through the campaign, has won seven Cy Young Awards overall as best pitcher in his league and has a career total of 354 wins, eighth on the all-time list.
Schilling, 41, a 20-year veteran, has compiled 216 career wins and claimed Most Valuable Player honors from the 2001 World Series and from the 1993 National League Championship Series.
He said he had always looked up to Clemens.
"Roger had a profound effect on my career from a very early point. His 'undressing' of me and lecture were a major turning point," Schilling wrote about advice he received early in his career from Clemens.
"I've always respected his career accomplishments and regarded him as the greatest pitcher to ever play the game."
(Writing by Larry Fine; editing by Miles Evans)
