How long does it take for a professional athlete to lose his good name in the wake of a bad decision? If you apologize immediately, you take your hits but ultimately lose nothing. If your ego gets in the way, there is no turning back.

As Roger Clemens’ indictment came down yesterday for perjury before Congress about his steroid use, I can only think how far he has fallen. Throughout his career, Clemens was beloved in four cities for doing all the right things. However, ever since his name has been linked to steroids, he has continued to admit his wrongdoings which have led to his downfall as an individual. He even Tweeted after the indictment yesterday that he “never took HGH or Steroids” and he “did not lie to Congress.”

He, like other baseball players linked to steroids that refuse to admit they are wrong, have lost the reputation they gained while playing. Others, like Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi, have admitted their steroid use and still have developed new ground to stand on.

In the “Summer of LeBron,” we need to be reminded that our own egos can destroy us, especially when we are wrong.

gbarone General Corporate Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Jason Giambi, LeBron James, Roger Clemens, Steroids