Athletic trainer Gene Monahan of the New York Yankees acknowledges the fans after he received his 2009 World Series ring prior to the Yankees playing against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The longtime head athletic trainer of the New York Yankees once wrote that Roger Clemens “maintains complete confidence and respect” for strength coach Brian McNamee.
Gene Monahan, who retired last year, testified Wednesday in the perjury trial of the 11-time All-Star pitcher. In 2000, Monahan wrote a letter to the Yankees manager and general manager about Clemens’ relationship with McNamee.
At the time, the Yankees were hiring McNamee as an assistant strength and conditioning coach to specifically work with Clemens.
McNamee says he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone. Clemens is accused of lying to Congress in 2008 when he denied using those substances.
The trial is in its sixth week. The government says it has four to six more witnesses to call.
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