Clemens receives a record 15 ESPY nominations

BRISTOL, CT – ESPN announced today that former Major League pitcher and alleged steroid user Roger Clemens has been nominated in a record 15 categories for the network’s annual sports awards show, the ESPY’s.

The previous record was held Michael Jordan, who received 12 nominations at the 1993 ESPY’s. Other notable performances include Kerry Strug’s 10 nominations for her performance in the 1996 Olympics, and more recently Barbaro’s 9 nominations in last year’s ESPY’s.

Some argue Clemens is a lock to also set the record for awards – Jordan’s eight awards at the historic ‘93 ESPY’s – but SSNN awards show expert Don Matthews argues the 15 nominations might not be as impressive as they first seem.

“Call me a pessimist, but I don’t expect Clemens to win ‘Most Inspirational Athlete’,” he said. “I’m not even sure why he’s nominated for that category, to be honest.”

Matthews did say there are just as many categories that Clemens is a clear favorite in, and that the disgraced star very well could challenge Jordan’s record.

“There are quite a few awards they may as well give to him now,” Matthews said. “I’m going on record right now: Clemens is a lock for ‘Best Performance on a News Magazine Show’ and ‘The Bill Clinton Courage Award in Sports’ awards.”

But Matthews points out just as many categories that are in no way sure bets. He said while many consider him the favorite in the “Best Angry Denial” category for his performance in the months following the release of the Mitchell Report, Matthews believe many are underestimating Floyd Landis.

“You want to talk about denial? Floyd Landis has been arguing he never cheated for like five years now,” he said. “Maybe if he we give him some kind of award he’ll stop whining so damn much.”

Other awards Clemens has been nominated for include ‘Best Downhill Finish’, ‘Best Rivalry’ for his feud with Brian McNamee and ‘Best Interpretive Dance’ for his performance during the congressional hearings. Clemens will also be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with young country singers.

It’s going to be tough for this sport to sweep any nations, but it’s still pretty frickin’ cool!