Smoke on the Water...

With the evidence presented today, I'd say that all of this talk about Barry Bonds has FINALLY gained some credibility. Though I have backed Bonds all of this time, I never once claimed that he was innocent - just that there was no proof of his guilt. I am a strong believer in the idea of being innocent until proven guilty. If you've ever been wrongly accused of a crime, you'd be a strong believer as well. With this latest news, however, that Bonds did indeed fail a drug test, there is now some credible evidence that Bonds has taken illegal drugs in the past. Bonds doesn't deny the test, why should I?

This certainly suggests now that there is smoke near Bonds, and smoke usually leads to fire. However, the drug in question was not a steroid and Bonds not only did not dispute the outcome of the test, but also agreed to voluntarily take 6 more random drug tests to prove the idea that this was a one time only abberation. Whether Bonds is innocent or guilty, this is the sort of behavior I'd expect from him considering the other circumstances.

While this admission clouds the future of this once great player, it also clarifies some of the Giants off-season moves - the acquisition of Ryan Klesko, for instance. Some may renew calls for Bonds to be removed from Baseball, but before we all go that far lets remember two things. One, Bonds has not failed any other drug test. And two, Bonds was not the only player to fail this drug test - in fact, he was only one of HUNDREDS of baseball players who failed this particular test. Amphetamine use in baseball is a true problem, not one fabricated by the government and media.

Clearly, Baseball needs to clean up its act once again. I'm guessing this would all be much easier if there was a strong commissioner in power. It seems as if the players are once again suffering from the lack of a strong, impartial, commissioner. But that's enough negativity for one day... its only about 60 days until pitchers and catchers report. That's really what its all about.