Steroids vs. Rape [NoeBrainer]

I believe that people are more likely to believe a man is innocent of rape before they will believe that an athlete never used performance-enhancing drugs if linked to them.

Roger Clemens was found not guilty of all charges in the government's perjury case against him, but was he found innocent among fans?  Nearly everybody who thought Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs before the perjury case verdict hasn't changed his/her opinion following the verdict. 

We all are aware about how damaging it is to an athlete's legacy if they are linked to performance-enhancing drugs (especially in baseball), but how damaging is it?  I believe that more people are likely to believe that a man is innocent when accused with rape than they are to believe an athlete is clean when linked to performance-enhancing drugs.

Who is the athlete that is linked to performance-enhancing drugs that most people believe is clean?  Who is the athlete that has been linked to PEDs that has been able to prove his/her innocence?  Proving innocence is nearly impossible for athletes that are linked to PEDs.  Plus, it isn't the same thing as a court of law where you just have to prove you're not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  You have to prove your innocence with the public.  I don't know that there is anything an athlete can do to prove his innocence with fans.  That's why I believe being linked to PEDs is so incredibly damaging to an athlete's reputation and legacy.  There is no way to completely clear your name with fans.

Brian Noe is the Brand Manager at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.