WASHINGTON — A federal judge has angrily criticized Congress for withholding an audio recording that lawyers want for the trial of pitching great Roger Clemens.

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton says he doesn’t understand why the House has not turned over the audio of Clemens’ deposition to committee staff, even though a transcript is available.

Walton said Congress risks being seen by the public as “hiding behind things.” Still, he said he is not willing to delay the trial over the issue.

The judge said he might allow other baseball players to testify they knowingly received performance-enhancing drugs if Clemens’ defense team pursues its theory that Clemens’ chief accuser made up allegations he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone as leverage to help him deal with his own legal troubles.

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