Rep. Chris Shays' grilling of Brian McNamee at the Roger Clemens steroids hearing has drawn sharp criticism from WFAN radio host Chris Russo.

Russo, an admitted registered Republican who lives in New Canaan, feels Shays (R-Conn.) was too easy on Clemens. The former Yankees pitcher is denying claims that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

"How does any Republican go to that hearing yesterday and not pound Clemens?" Russo questioned. "Roger, you're telling me that you didn't do steroids, but your best buddy [ballplayer Andy Pettitte], who you all agree has great credibility, confirms McNamee's statements."

Russo says he won't defend McNamee, Clemens' former athletic trainer. However, he believes Shays stepped over the line.

During the Capitol Hill hearing, Shays repeatedly called McNamee, an ex-police officer, a drug dealer. McNamee, who claims he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone up to 21 times, responded that he is not a drug dealer.

"He didn't go to New Canaan High School and walk around the gym and locker room selling HGH to 17-year-old kids," Russo says. "That's a pusher."

Shays' staff canceled a satellite interview with News 12 Connecticut Thursday.

For Russo discussing his on-air tirade about Shays, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

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