Despite a “not guilty” following a trial, Roger Clemens did not make the Hall of Fame today. He had been charged with perjury, making false statements, and obstruction of Justice.
Despite a “not guilty” finding of multiple counts at trial, and a reversal on appeal of the one remaining count of obstruction of justice, Barry Bonds did not make the Hall of Fame today.
Some may call this the “collateral consequences” of being charged with criminality. Others may note that the Hall of Fame does not use the due process standards of our courts.
One has to wonder if they would have been better off tried for other than short cut offenses like perjury, obstruction of justice, or false statements. Maybe it would have provided them with the opportunity to defend against the alleged conduct that comes up in discussions about the Hall of Fame.
Whatever are the arguments as to whether they should or should not be there – bottom line is that neither are there after multiple times on the ballot.
(esp)