By Ben Fractenberg
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Former Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens pleaded not guilty to federal perjury charges on Monday, the Associated Press reported.
Clemens was arraigned in U.S. District Court after being charged with six counts of perjury and making false statements to Congress.
In 2008, the all-star pitcher denied using steroids or other performance enhancing drugs to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. But his former trainer, Brian McNamee, reportedly agreed to admit he injected Clemens with a banned substance in exchange for immunity from charges of distributing steroids.
"I never took HGH or Steroids. And I did not lie to Congress," Clemens tweeted on Aug. 19 after being indicted.
If found guilty, Clemens could face a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine; however, he would reportedly more likely face 15 to 21 months behind bars.
"I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial,” Clemens tweeted on Aug. 19. “I appreciate all the support I have been getting. I am happy to finally have my day in court."
No bail was set and the seven-time Cy Young Award winner can travel within the US but must check in with the court on a regular basis, the New York Times reported.
Jury selection in the trial is scheduled for April 5, according to the Times.
