Feds seeking only sentence of probation for Miguel Tejada based on lying conviction

As detailed in pieces from the AP and from SI.com, federal prosecutors are not asking for an jail time in the upcoming sentencing of Miguel Tejada.  Here are some details from the SI report:

The United States Attorney's office has recommended that Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada receive a sentence of probation for lying to congressional investigators in 2005, according to a memorandum filed on Thursday in Washington, D.C., federal court.  The filing, which also calls for Tejada to pay a fine and participate in youth-based community service, is a suggested sentencing -- not a binding one -- for Washington magistrate judge Alan Kay.

Kay will issue Tejada's punishment next Thursday, when the 34-year-old shortstop is due back in court. Tejada pleaded guilty last month to a misdemeanor charge that he made "misrepresentations to Congress" when he told congressional aides at a Baltimore hotel on Aug. 26, 2005, that he was unaware of steroid use by other players....

Tejada struck a plea agreement with the U.S. attorney's office last month, pleading to the misdemeanor offense. Hours after his guilty plea last month, Tejada fought back tears at a press conference in Houston where he said, "I made a mistake and now I know how serious of a mistake I made for not answering a question about another teammate." He then apologized "to the whole United States, because this country gave me the opportunity to be who I am and the last thing I want to do is let this country down."

With Thursday's sentencing recommendations, it appears that the federal government is willing to give Tejada another chance. "Defendant has expressed appropriate remorse," the filing says, "[he] appears to have learned a difficult and important life lesson."

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• Feds get another conviction in steroid investigations
• Another federal sentence for another athlete lying about steroid use
• Should Roger Clemens now be indicted for perjury?
• More on Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, perjury prosecutions and race concerns
• "McNamee's Lawyer Predicts Clemens Pardon"