NEW YORK — A lawyer for Brian McNamee believes the Justice Department will open a criminal investigation into Roger Clemens' denials of doping.

Meantime, the chairman of a congressional committee said comments attributed to one of the pitcher's lawyers could be interpreted as trying to intimidate a federal law enforcement official.

Clemens gave a five-hour deposition last week to staff lawyers of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform prior to Wednesday's public hearing. McNamee, former personal trainer to the seven-time Cy Young Award winner, gave a seven-hour deposition.

"I think there will be a criminal prosecution after Wednesday, and that means there will be grand jury proceedings and subsequent proceedings," Richard Emery, one of McNamee's attorneys, said Sunday. "I don't see there's any possibility that Brian has any jeopardy. I only see the possibility of Clemens getting investigated by Justice, whether or not Congress refers it."

A message left Sunday night requesting Justice Department comment was not immediately returned.