If convicted, the onetime pitching star for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.
On his Twitter account, Clemens again maintained that he "never took HGH or steroids. And I did not lie to Congress."
The 11-time all-star added: "I look forward to challenging the government's accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial."
He signed the post, "Rocket."
A close reading of the indictment shows it offers no direct proof that Clemens ever used the banned drugs during his 23-year career on the mound. Rather, it alleges that others say he did, and that he then lied to Congress in denying their assertions.
But the charges against Clemens mark the second time a major-league player has been prosecuted for lying to Congress, and it signals that federal investigators are far from done probing the drug scandals that for years have swirled around players who suddenly grew bigger and stronger as they extended their careers and shattered long-standing baseball records.
In February 2009, all-star shortstop Miguel Tejada of the Astros pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his use of the drugs. He was sentenced to a year of probation.
Clemens, who turned 48 on Aug. 4 and last pitched in 2007, logged a phenomenal record with 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, and a lifetime earned run average of 3.12.
With more than 300 victories, Clemens would be a lock for the Hall of Fame, most likely on the first ballot when he becomes eligible in 2013, were it not for allegations of cheating hanging over him.
At the heart of the case are two sessions when Clemens met with congressional investigators in February 2008 and repeatedly denied using anabolic steroids or HGH.
