Today in sports.
Barry Bonds is back in the news.
However, at at least half of the world could care less. This, according to one poll conducted by ESPN.com.
The poll, asking the public whether or not they feel Bonds will be indicted for charges stemming from alleged steroid use. The choices are “Yes,” “No,” and “Don’t care.” As of this afternoon, 50 percent checked off the latter. Also, as of this article’s production, 49 states were leaning towards “don’t care,” marked in green on the graphic.
The grand jury investigating the case is set to expire today and Bonds’ jailed personal trainer would be subject to release if that happened. The trainer, Greg Anderson, was jailed in contempt earlier this month for refusing to testify before the grand jury. It is said that his testimony would be pivotal in any criminal proceedings against the number two home run king in baseball.
The primary charge being sought is perjury, along with tax evasion. The charges are a result of Bonds’ claiming that he did not know the contents of substances given to him by Anderson in 2003.
Bonds has already been indicted two San Francisco Chronicle reporters in the book Game of Shadows. Sports Illustrated immediately followed in a March 7 article “exposing” Bonds’ steroid use.
Sports Illustrated legal expert Lester Munson predicted April 14 that the grand jury would likely indict Bonds:
“I thought they would have indicted Bonds a year ago, so in my opinion, based on what I know, the likelihood of an indictment is very high.”
One think hurting Bonds’ public relations image is that he continuously refuses to discuss anything related to steroids with the media and usually will not talk to a reporter unless it is earmarked “about baseball.” Bonds did try to loosen his image during light hazing of the San Francisco Giants’ new players during spring training sessions. During this, Bonds donned drag attire while the new players took part in an “American Idol” spoof.
Things remain rocky for the near 20-year veteran, and an indictment would almost certainly seal the fate in the baseball annals and even call his Hall of Fame hopes-which are otherwise a lock-into question.
However, maybe Bonds isn’t doing it all wrong.
After all, people don’t care anymore.