Tejada says sorry for letting country, fans down

By Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin

February 11, 2009
 
 



When you entered the Oakland A's locker room between 1997-2003 and you asked Miguel Tejada for an interview or just to say hello he always was happy to respond. Tejada just before leaving Oakland was like a team leader and many in the A's clubhouse looked up to him and his example.

His fruit didn't fall far from the tree as A's players in the A's clubhouse were using steroids and Miguel Tejada who on Wednesday admitted to steroid use after telling congress when asked in 2005 by House Committee members that he did not use steroids will be facing perjury charges which could amount to a misdemeanor one year perjury sentence but Tejada reportedly will be facing a lighter sentence for admitting and throwing himself on the court's mercy.

Under pressure of further investigation Miguel Tejada said to members of the investigative committee on Wednesday, "I want to apoligize I made a mistake and now I know how serious of a mistake for not answering about another team mate." Tejada was overcome by emotion in the hearing.

Mark Tuohey one of the attorney's for Tejada said that Tejada will resume playing baseball and will be given probation. Talk radio on Houston stations have already had fans calling in saying that when Miguel Tejada comes to bat on opening day at Minute Maid Field he could expect a standing ovation for standing up and telling the truth but for doing it with such humility not seen by any MLB player that has either admitted or been accused of using steroids.

Federal Magistrate Alan Kay has set March 26th for sentencing the Astros are off that day from exhibition play. There was discussion that Tejada could be deported for perjury but attorneys at the hearing and federal officials have all but assured Tejada's attorneys off the record said that he will not face any deportation proceedings, "because of the nature of the offense, considered a petty offense, not a crime of morale turpitude we believe it will have no impact on his immigration status at all, and he plans and he will soon in the next few years be welcomed to citizenship in the United States." said Tuohey.

Miguel Tejada was always a gentleman when we covered him at the Oakland A's during his years with the team so it's not a surprised to see his humility and humbleness when he apologized to the federal congress on Wednesday. Tejada has always been class and he will return to baseball and will be forgiven by his team mates and his fans. Tejada may not get a bid for the Hall of Fame because of using enhanced drugs but he will be welcomed back in the game much like Jason Giambi did his other former team mate.

Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin are covering the Barry Bonds steroid perjury trial for Sportstalk Radio.

 

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