Friday, March 24, 2006

THE PLOT THICKENS: Even More Trouble For Barry Bonds

In a story on ESPN.com, it has been stated that a judge denied a bid by Barry Bonds' lawyers to block the authors and publishers from making money on a book claiming the San Francisco Giants' slugger used steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.

Let's look at the statements the Bonds camp are making:

"We are seeking to have the credibility and integrity of the grand jury proceeding restored," said Bonds lawyer Alison Berry Wilkinson.

Real Meaning: They were not stating the steroid acquisitions were false, just that they way the author's obtained the information was illegal.

Earlier Friday, in a separate court action, Bonds' lawyers also sent a letter to a federal judge, demanding that Fainaru-Wada and Williams be held in contempt of court.

Real Meaning: Blame someone else for the problems. It takes the heat off of Bonds.

"The true victim is not Barry Bonds, but the sanctity and integrity of the grand jury process," the attorneys wrote to U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.

Real Meaning: Play the victim. It makes you look like people are out to get you.

"His bat speaks for himself and he's not going to speak on this action and this book," another Bonds' lawyer Michael Rains said.

Real Meaning: He is a great athlete. He shouldn't be held accountable for his actions, even if they were immoral or illegal.

The following things just might be keeping Barry up nights.

Bonds former lover, Kimberly Bell, who bolsters the steroid case against Bonds, said she received money from the seven-time Most Valuable Player not reported to tax authorities.

Real Meaning: He may have committed income tax fraud. Remember, the most powerful agency in the US government is the IRS.

"There is an ongoing investigation and I don't want to interrupt that in any way," Bell told Reuters on Thursday. "Because of the investigation and the potential there at this time I am not making any commentary on the situation or the book."

Real meaning: I don't want to do anything to screw up the case against Bonds. After all, he screwed me in many ways. Remember, payback is a bitch.

Legal experts say the book could also prompt the U.S. attorney to investigate whether Bonds lied to a federal grand jury when he testified in the BALCO steroid case. Bell has already testified before a grand jury.

Real meaning: If Bonds lied to a grand jury (we all know he did), then that jail cell may be closer than he thinks.

Bonds had better hope things don't get any worse. I feel that the storm is getting ready to sweep over Bonds, and he has a more than a few leaks in his boat.

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