Judge in Clemens case chides Congress

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- The judge in the trial of Roger Clemens expressed irritation at Congress for not providing lawyers with a 2008 audiotape of a deposition of the former star.

However, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton stopped short of ordering the House to provide prosecutors and defense lawyers with copies of the tape made when Clemens testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigating steroids in baseball, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

In the deposition, he repeatedly denied taking steroids.

Clemens is on trial for perjury, obstruction of Congress and making false statements related to his depositions and during his testimony.

The House has provided its official transcript of the deposition prepared from the audiotape, but House lawyers have balked at producing the actual tape, saying the transcript is the official record.

Clemens' lawyer said he wanted the tape to help refute charges his client obstructed Congress.

"The tone of voice is important," attorney Rusty Hardin said.

Walton called it unfair for Congress to refer Clemens to the Justice Department for prosecution and then refuse to provide the tapes.

"It doesn't look good for our government," he said.

Walton directed Hardin and House lawyer William Pittard to discuss a way for a copy of the tape to be provided to the defense.