There were a few things on the ol' Fox Sports news page this morning that I found of interest. After reading them I was moved to respond. But first I want to speak to a comment that was made, albeit indirectly, toward myself and another blogger here. I should say that it was not a comment that I found offensive for I have been called much worse by, I'm sure, much better. At any rate my comments regarding the hatred of Barry Bonds on some posts has earned me the honor of having a "man-crush" on Bonds. I'm alright with that if that is what people wish to believe or think for much the same reasons I support Bonds and his endeavor to become MLB's All-Time HR hitter.
For the record I have never met Barry Bonds. I have no desire to meet Barry Bonds. I couldn't care less about Bonds aside from the fact that I don't grasp the reality that this man, this baseball player, could garner so much hate for doing so little. You see, in the grand scheme of things Bonds hitting more HR's than anyone else doesn't mean #### I know there is a world of baseball "purists" out there who cry foul whenever his name is mentioned. There are people out there who wish harm, physical harm, on this guy because they think he cheated something or cheated them. These wishes have ranged from intentionally walking him everytime he comes to the plate, to intentionally throwing at him when he comes to the plate, to hoping he dies before he attains the record. There are all kinds of arguments as to why these things are inappropriate but most of them should be based in the obvious. Wishing physical harm, or any harm, on anyone, ANYONE, is morally and ethically reprehensible and in some cases illegal. I am not the advocate for the Moral Majority, he just passed away. I don't begrudge the "purists" their argument regarding his alleged steroid usage. I do oppose their desire to hang this guy out to dry for what many others have allegedly, with the exception of those who have either been proven guilty or admitted to, done in the past. And with such veracity and venom. Did he break into your homes and steal something from you? Has he physically assaulted any of you in a way that would make you wish such things on him.? Does he not answer the burning questions you so desperately need the answers to when he does speak to a sports reporter? I don't get it and I suppose that will open me up to all kinds of nasty and snide comments from those who think he has done something desperately wrong. So be it. All he is is a freakin' baseball player and a damn good one at that. As a matter of fact ya'll can say I have a "man-crush" on Barry Bonds, I'm alright with that. I will cheer and applaud him when he breaks Aaron's record for the accomplishment and for the skill it took to get there. I know how hard it is to hit a baseball. And in all reality he hasn't really done anything to me to warrant the burning hatred so many languish upon him. Now if he hit my Mother with a baseball bat we'd have some serious issues. I don't see it happening.
And to that end I am tipping my hat to Jason Giambi. Hip, Hip Frickin' Hooooray to Jason Giambi. Thank you for saying what should have been said a long, long time ago. Giambi thinks MLB should apologize to the public for it's perfomance-enhancing drug problem.
"We should have apologized back then and made sure we had a rule in place and gone forward. Steroids and all of that was a part of history. But it was a topic that everybody wanted to avoid. Nobody wanted to talk about it."
"What we should have done a long time ago was stand up players, ownership, everybody and said, "We made a mistake."
This comes from a guy who admitted using steroids who plays this game at a level higher than high school. This comes from a guy who says he is probably the most tested player in MLB, more so than Bonds who the "purists" are trying to crucify. He is glad that MLB now has rules in place to control this stuff. Good for you Jason. And good for you for putting it squarely on the shoulders of those who should have done something about it. Everyone in MLB. Hey, Bud, this ones for you! I was impressed when Giambi admitted his use of these performnce-enhancing drugs but I am more impressed today. He may have taken a bigger step today with his comments. He just laid it all out there. I especially liked the use of the word "we" in his comments. Not Barry, not me, but we!!! Oh and for the "purists" Giambi admitted using them. Bonds has not. In my book, much like the Supreme Court, one is innocent until proven guilty, unless you admit it. And also for all of you "purists" who claim Bonds is only reaching Aaron because of the "steroid" usage. Here is a final quote from Giambi, who plays MLB and admitted using performance-enhancing drugs.
"That stuff didn't help me hit homeruns. I don't care what people say, nothing is going to give you the gift of hitting a baseball." Thank you Jason Giambi. Hip, Hip Frickin' Hooooray!
Also from the world of MLB. Yankee reliever Kyle Farnsworth has issues with the "Family Clause" in Roger Clemens contract. I do to but I think Farnsworth's is legit and so much more important than mine.
"As far as a teamate and player, I think everybody should be here whether they are pitching or not," he said. "You don't see guys who are hurt not sit on the bench. They're always there."
Farnsworth makes a great point. As a coach I require my players to attend everything, hurt or not. Sometimes this rule can be amended based on individual circumstances. For example a death in the family, recovering from surgery or in some cases, college visits, etc., etc. Part of being on a team is being a part of that team. Superstars demanding special attention like this is joke. Is someone ailing in Roger's family? If so I most certainly can understand special attention. Does he want to watch his son play baseball? Does he want to hang out at the farm between starts for the sake of say...hanging out? If those are the reasons for his "Family Clause" then the Yankees are more ridiculous than I could have ever imagined. One of the girls on my soccer team came up to me the other day and said, "Let me tell you how I work." I thought she was Roger's daughter for a second there. Farnsworth also went on to say that he didn't really see it as being a problem for now. He commented that "You asked my opinion and I gave it." You have to be careful Kyle because some sports reporter/writer is going to take that, spin it, and run with it to who knows where. But, to that end, Hip, Hip Frickin' Hooooray to Kyle Farnsworth for speaking up.
From the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings stated today that surgery WILL NOT be required on Adrian Peterson's collar-bone. It is healing sufficiently for the Vikings and Peterson to think he will be ready when Training Camp opens. Just like Peterson told evrybody and showed everybody at the combine. But the "experts" said no way and dropped him from Top 3 to lower Top 10 and on some boards out of the Top 10. This kids collar bone has been examined by more Dr's. and team medical personnel than jointsRicky Williams smokes in a week or days that Paris Hilton was sentenced to (45), not the days she actually has to serve (23). There is too much going on and too many people and things involved to predict what kind of year Peterson will have (again my realistic approach to things) but maybe now all the "experts" will back off on the collar bone thing. And kudos to the Vikings for taking a kid they considered a Top 3 player with their first pick and not falling into the jumbled mix that said noway, too risky. To the Vikings (and it pains me to do this) Hip, Hip Frickin' Hooooray!!!
gcoach if steroids do these guys no good, then why do they take them?
I grow tired of these a-holes doing one thing and saying another. Steroids effect strength, which effects power, which effects bat speed. This is not rocket science man.
If Giambi doesn't think that steroids did him any good then why did he take them?
gcoach ........ What insenses everybody about Bonds is that they feel he's got no guts. He just won't answer the burning question that so many us supposedly want to know. Personally I don't give a flying #### what he did. Because the sport was corrupted long before the advent of Bonds and his indiscretions. The only problem now is how this record should be treated in the annals of history. Legitimize it or place an asterisk at its side ? That's the decision for baseball that it's facing as a whole. Legitimize it and they'll call it a farce. Place and asterisk at its side and you'll have his supporters crying foul as he was never proved guilty of anything. Therein lies the problem for Selig and the whole hierarchy of baseball.
They can't undo what they should've done a long time ago. They pulled the cork out of the genie's bottle and were granted these unforeseen wishes that can't be taken back. Quite an analogy don't you think ?
gcoach if steroids do these guys no good, then why do they take them?
Recovery from injuries. Quick recuperation from workouts.
Steroids effect strength, which effects power, which effects bat speed.
Steroids affect strength in the same way books affect knowledge -- you have to work to put them to use.
You can't just take steroids and instantly watch your muscles balloon.
LSU, why do you think the overwhelming majority of players caught using steroids are mediocre Minor League pitchers? Pitchers, not hitters. Fastballs, not homeruns.
Gcoach, this was excellent, and I finally found an instance where we disagree! I don't think MLB should be blamed for the steroids problem; I think they got soft when they buckled to the baseball purists who wanted them banned.
I mean, if you have to assign blame to anyone, you would definitely point it at Selig and Co. But I don't think there needs to be any finger-pointing.
Interesting take on whose shoulders the blame should fall on. I guess we should also blame the banks for not having better security each time one is robbed, and not the criminal doing the robbing?
As for the most tested player comment, unless there is a specific "Giambi" clause in the CBA, players can be randomly tested ONCE per year, with a follow-up test no more than 7 days after the initial test. Real grueling stuff there.
Don't forget Giambi is the rat here, and has a PR person telling him how to rehabilitate his sorry reputation.
If Petersons collar bone is healed by the time football starts and has no problems then look out for this kid hes got 2 motors for legs. He is a very good running back.
LSU - I wouldn't venture to say why Giambi took them or what benefit he thought he may get out of them. I commented on what he has reported as a man who plays MLB and who has done them. His personal experience. It is as simple as that. There is no conspiracy in that. Perhaps, and again, no conspiracy here, they are misinformed. I don't know. I know I don't buy the "bigger" argument because at a certain time in my life as I aged, I got bigger, 80 to 90 lbs bigger and I don't have the luxury of being able to hire top flight trainers and I never used steroids. I lift and train as much as I can but not at the pace and availability as professional athetes. The bottom line is that this is not an issue that warrants people wanting this guy to get hurt or worse in pursuit as something as trivial as hitting homeruns when there are vastly more important things to worry about. That prevailing attitude offends me as an intelligent human being. In that regard I comment. Thank you for commenting.
gcoach, get this -- LSUfan posted a blog on this same subject, but he's deleting comments just because they simply disagree with him.
He's disagreeing with you and you're letting his comments stay up... what happened to civility and having a rational discussion?
There's too much close-mindedness regarding the Bonds saga. We need to be willing to hear the other side's (and there are more than 2 sides) argument, consider how it may be right and how it may be wrong, and then offer a retort.
Hitting the "mute" button is just immature and close-minded.
Lisa - thanks for the kind words. Again it wasn't something that really bothered me but I do appreciate your support.
Just - I liked your analogy almost as much as I like your avatar. Thanks for stopping in.
baf - so your telling me I should put faith in what you say as being the only perspective to take. While your analogy is almost as interesting as justanotherfan's I have no problem with Giambi's comments, regardless of who is doing what for his sorry reputation, as I firmly believe ON MY OWN ACCORD that all of this mess should have dealt with a long time ago as well. This isn't the only issue where I fault MLB or its governing bodies, it just happens to be the most popular at the time. Thanks for your opinion.
ultra you dolt, you make points like it's the banks fault if it gets robbed! That the home owner is to blame if they leave their door unlocked!
You're a freaking whack job without a single brain cell of common sense. I can only assume the ward you're confined in has Internet access. If that's not the case then someone should invoke the Va Tech rule and get your sick #### committed.
Broncogirl - It is a pleasure to see you here. I appreciate the visit and your comments. I watched Peterson play ball at OU and he can do things that just make you smile. You know, that "Oh my Gawd" smile that means you are incredibly in awe. The kind of smile that overcomes the yelling and shreeking cheering thing. It's just the smile! Thanks again.
Ultra - Your disagreement is noted and I think it has a certain validity to it. What never was an issue became an issue when there was trouble lurking around the corner. I see your point. And as such I don't necessarily think Giambi (or whoever baf thinks is pulling his chain) was wrong in using the phrase "we" which makes him part of it. I think there is every reason to hold MLB accountable. Then again, things like this have been going on for years in different shapes and different forms. As for LSU deleting comments on his post because he doesn't agree with you, well...different strokes for different folks I guess. Thanks for commenting here. One thing your presence will do, aside from reading your insights which I generally enjoy, is keep it interesting. Thanks.
gcoach I watched him in a few games to and he is great. My team is good on running backs for now but if they werent I would say he could come play for us. He is talented and classy. Hes a good talent and he got my vote.
gcoach ........ Do you think that I should change the avatar and have a picture of Jenna Jamseon spread eagled showing us all her lovely bits ? It'd be a risk worth taking don't you think ?
But the pc's here within the forum would throw up their arms in outrage or many of us would be just strokin' our tools for comfort !
I've never really understood the venow towards Bonds, either. Sure, people can view him in any way they like. I have no problem with that. They can dislike him. They can want to boo him. They can root for him not to break the record. All that stuff is fine.
But the level of absolute hatred towards him by some. I just don't get it. Wishing injury, permanent or otherwise, just so he doesn't break a record? It's sports! It's entertainment. Like I said, I just don't understand that sentiment.
I agree with you. The guy is a once in a generation talent. If you concentrate solely on his baseball skills, you know you're seeing one of the elite hitters in the game. Watch how he reacts and adjusts to certain pitches, his general approach to hitting. It's phenomenal.
People will think what they think. That's fine. Personally, I think I rather enjoy watching the guy hit.
Great job gcoach.Did anyone hear that Mota received a hero`s welcome back into the Mets clubhouse?The players don`t care so why should the fans.LSU,your comments are getting more and more ridiculous.
Gcoach, recently I've stayed away from the Bonds discussion...mainly because it usually goes beyond the realm of ridiculous. And just like Nooch said, I don't understand the level of hatred.
Also, I'm finding the record more irrelevant each day. If Barry ends up 1 HR short, that doesn't mean anything. He is a great hitter, and a great player regardless.
And for that matter, if he passes the record...that doesn't diminish anything that Hank Aaron accomplished.
People are way too obsessed with individual records.
We've already witnessed greatness, with or without a record.
I sure do enjoy your writes Gcoach. You've got a great tounge-in-cheek delivery and get your points across. I wish I had a picture of your reaction to the little girl trying to tell you how she worked...lol. Too funny. I agree that Giambi put it out there which is totally cool. The more I hear about Bonds, the more I feel sorry for him. All those accomplishments and whether someone want to give him credit or not, the saddest part is he's forgotten how to have fun and enjoy the game and fans all these years. That's just my opinion. Super stuff my man.
Last edited by 1steelerfan1 on May 18th at 1:39 PM.
So, you DO have a man-crush on Bonds.
Sorry to hear that comment burned you up for so long. Your blind support riled me up.
I followed Bonds from his rookie season and WAS a Bonds fan. When he suddenly showed up after the offseason, with 30+ pounds of extra muscle and a bigger head, I stopped liking Bonds. My Pirates loving friend stopped following Bonds then too.
Giambi is not to be praised. His comments published yesterday and today didn't say WHAT illegal substance he took, just that he was sorry.
It's too little, too late. He's after PR.
Tossing the word 'purist' around is your attempt to insult? Does that mean you support cheaters who have hidden behind the collective bargaining agreement? Conservitive and Liberal are other attempts to label, yet most don't truly fit either.
Bonds is loved or hated. There's little middle ground. You're on one side on this and I'm on another.
Far more see Bonds as a pariah than a great man/player.
Once he could have been great; in the future, he'll be known as the incredibly unhappy man who cheated his way to the top, with BALCO, and was rejected by the majority, due to statistically impossible growth.
His assiciation with BALCO, a company created to further cheating, only does his long term reputation worse damage.
Hank deserves better.
AND
I hope to have a man-crush on the Vikings backfield this fall!
Ultra - Bafongu might prefer to call you stupid. But, I'll take a stab at your comparison. I'll say it's not valid, and here's why: If you leave your door unlocked (notwithstanding any other security measures), then you have taken no steps to ensure your safety. If you leave the stove on all night, you have actually taken a step to ensure that you WON'T be secure. But, I can guarantee you that the guy at the bank is taking steps to keep that money secure. He may have a security guard posted, or a security system installed. But, he's surely doing something. In that regard, he can't be faulted if someone is able to beat his security measures (especially as there is surely a way to defeat almost any security measure).
That being said, I guess I'd say that you can't fault MLB. They can set measures to prevent athletes from using steroids. But, surely those athletes will find a way around those security measures if they are intent on using steroids. You fault the athletes for taking extra (possibly extreme) measures to avoid the security measures.
Nooch - it is way beyond reasonable. And a lot of the responses here don't deal with the anger and the venom, they still rattle on about why he doesn't deserve this or that. I've heard it all and the more I hear the less inclined I become to agree, especially with the attitude it is recited with. Frankly, I also think he is one helluva talent and I do enjoy watching him hit baseballs. All of the other #### aside...that's the bottom line. It is like there is no give or take. Until he is either proven to have used steroids I will think of him as just another ballplayer in pursuit of a record. And, even if he is eventually proven to have used steroids, I'll still think he is just another ballplayer...who used steroids. You are correct. His hitting skills are phenomenal. I don't wish him ill for it. Couldn't care less. Thanks for the support. As always it is a pleasure to have you visit.
mikers - thanks for the support. The guys I know that play professional baseball don't get worked up over it. Whenever Bonds is mentioned in conversations they talk about what he does with a bat and nothing else. Mention steroids and they just give you a strange look and move on. One of them said no body cares. But that will never be good enough for those in the know, you know!
ShooterB - you make great points. Aaron was awesome and so is Bonds. Those of us who have been lucky enough to witness both have truly seen greatness. The level of hatred is dumbfounding to say the least. Always glad to have your opinion here.
Steelerfan - So Bonds had never, ever been a media darling. With what he had put up with the past few years I wouldn't expect him to open up now. Some of it can be attributed to him but lately I wouldn't talk to the media either if I were him. The court of public opinion has already tried and convicted him. Why speak out when nobody will listen. Thanks for your comments, always appreciated.
husker - welcome! Hey, maybe I do have that man crush thing going on. Adrian Peterson is gonna be one helluva back for the Vikes. And it didn't really bother me but was a great lead in to my post, don't you think? And I don't have it for Bonds. And if you had read the post the "blind" support for Bonds isn't really blind. I don't think he is some evil demented dragon/baseball player that deserves the wrath of the all knowing general public. That was sarcasm. The hatred and wishing harm on this guy is inappropriate, as I said in the post, unless he personally assaults you or a loved one. Did you read the post out of curiosity? Giambi didn't isolate or single anyone out. He said "we" as in all of MLB. There have been posts calling for Bud Selig's head for among other things, his knowledge and lack of action on this issue. So you go on and be-little Giambi who is speaking out and showing some concern for what this game is apparently doing to the general public and its fans. Come to think of it, you would be perfect as the next Commissioner of MLB. You won't be satisfied that someone admits wrong-doing, you need to know to what extreme.
That sounds an awful lot like Bud Selig and Pete Rose. We won't talk about reinstatement until you admit you gambled on baseball. Alright, you admitted it but we won't talk about reinstatement until you tell us in what capacity you gambled on baseball, manager or player. Not that it will matter because we will never talk about reinstatement Pete, we just want you to keep admitting things. "Purist" is NOT an attempt to insult. It is what I have heard many people who rip Bonds call themselves. I have heard the revered sports reporter/writers refer to those who rip Bonds in this way. If you are insulted by that then...perhaps you are bit sensitive. On the other hand, if I called you an "expert" and it was written in that way, then it would be an insult. Again, the word "cheaters" is used. I guess I would have to have been cheated of something to consider him, or them, cheaters. I don't so I won't.
Husker - it is obvious we agree on one thing. We agree to disagree on this issue. So be it. Sleep will not be lost on my part by this agreement. My man-crush will be in hopefully watching Peterson help the Vikings out this year. Moving on...!
jgrace - a level headed disagreement to the analogies rendered by our blogging bretheren. Thank you for that. I respectfully say that you can fault MLB and the players association just like Giambi stated. They all knew about it and they all did nothing until it became someone's poison pill. Thanks for visiting and adding your comments.
baf - as I personally know these guys and respect their opinions and what they have done with their careers I find your questions misplaced and rattled with ignorance. Is this something I should expect from you on a regular basis?
G-
I watched the ESPN PTI crew rip on Giambi for being ambiguous about his own steroid use then say MLB and the owners should apologize. It was comical.
As commish, first I'd meet with Pete Rose and get him on the next Hall of Fame ballot.
I read your post because I knew it would be a great read. I wrote my reply AT you with sarcasm.
I understand your teaching perspective as I am the son of one and brother to another.
I hear great stories, especially about HS sports/politics in Colorado.
The whole Bonds story is just going to make it a long, hot summer.
I'm not sure if "rattled with ignorance" answers the question of whether or not your friends were pro-players and if they were juiced?
If they were, when did they start/stop ?
If not, how are their opinions relevent ?
And you have yet to attempt a comment regarding Giambi and his brother testifying before the grand jury that they sought out Greg Anderson, Bonds trainer and junky, because of Bonds success with the juice.
I'll say it's not valid, and here's why: If you leave your door unlocked (notwithstanding any other security measures), then you have taken no steps to ensure your safety. If you leave the stove on all night, you have actually taken a step to ensure that you WON'T be secure. But, I can guarantee you that the guy at the bank is taking steps to keep that money secure. He may have a security guard posted, or a security system installed. But, he's surely doing something. In that regard, he can't be faulted if someone is able to beat his security measures (especially as there is surely a way to defeat almost any security measure).
Well, as inane as the comparison is anyway, jgrace, you do raise some good points, and while I would make an argument in return, I think that would lend too much credence to Bafongu's comparison.
Bafongu and I simply disagree on this and many other issues, and it's likely we'll ever agree on them. He'd rather be intolerant of those with differing opinions and call them names; I don't have much fun with that.
As the late great Kurt Vonnegut wrote, "So it goes."
I really just fail to see how steroids are a problem. I fail to see how they're any different from Cortizone shots, Tylenol, and the numerous other measures athletes use to make sure they perform at a high level. So it goes.
Also, I've attempted to show this to Bafongu numerous times, but I'm still not sure if he saw it. If I'm going over this with you a second time, Bafongu, forgive me.
To the prosecutors, the substances Bonds said he was using sounded like "the cream" and "the clear," two steroids designed to be undetectable in laboratory testing that Victor Conte, founder of BALCO, is accused of marketing to elite athletes, sometimes with Anderson as middleman.
I'm sure that information can be useful to the herds of others who think it's cut-and-dry that Bonds admitted to using steroids.
The prosecutors assumed he was using them. They didn't verify it. They assumed.
baf - you are insinuating/accusing the guys I know of using and that is making a very broad generalization that ALL professional baseball players use or used steroids. If that is your opinion then why do you pick out Bonds as your rag doll beating toy? Where is your venom to every professional baseball player? And their opinions are relevant to me because I do know them and I don't believe they used anything but good old hard freakin' work and their talent. Your tirade is loaded with ignorance.
As to your question about the Giambi's, BALCO, Anderson and Bonds....I'm not sure you are giving me everything in context. Honestly, I don't trust you or your opinion for obvious reasons. As for my belief and their comment about Bonds success with Anderson...if I get this right Giambi admitted using, Anderson and BALCO are through and even surrounded by all of this it has NEVER BEEN PROVEN that Bonds was using steroids. So open your shallow freakin' mind and try to find a legit answer and then comment to me.
Well said G. Like you, I don't care for Bonds on a personal level, but I defend him because he is the best hitter. Every ball player tries to gain an edge. Aaron used amphetamines, Ruth's era was a joke, and ####lord Perry used vaseline and still got into the HOF. Rose should be in as a player, and a huge plaque saying he bet on baseball.
As for people who call you names, I have had those comments as well. I choose to ignore them. Some are in love with Aaron or Ruth themselves. Keep up the good work.
GCoach - I am on the other side of the Barry Bonds camp. I agree with SLShusker in that most of the people that DON'T LIKE Barry Bonds probably USED to like him. What was the turning point? What turns a fan into a, for lack of a better phrase, non-fan? Most of my dislike for Barry Bonds is the persona that he has extended to ME as a fan of baseball. I'm one of those guys who would have freely given a testicle (without it being caused by steroids or HGH) for the chance to stand on a big league field and play a boys game for a living.
I see guys like Barry Bonds who is so full of nastyness and anger and it just sickens me. Bonds came up in a baseball family...he is an amazing athlete...he stole bases, hit for average, played great defense and had some pop in his bat. Through all of that he fought with teammates, demanded private sections of the locker room, refused to sign autographs, fought with management, blamed others for slumps, blamed the media some more, made racial statements, etc...
I don't like Barry Bonds for the way he treats ME as a fan.
Now on to the STEROID issue. I have had five knee surgerys on both knees and one on my shoulder. I have had shots of cortisone (steroid) under the knee caps and in the shoulder many times over the past 12 years. Now THIS is under the supervision of a doctor who will NOT give me this drug more than once a month for three consecutive months.
For anyone to say that Steroids do NOTHING for you, they are lying. Those simple little shots in the knees and shoulder make me feel like freaking SUPERMAN for about 2 weeks. Then it wears off.
I have also been on #### steroids after surgery. Besides tearing my stomach apart...the effects are amazing. I feel good, have more strength and stamina and I absolutely feel that the recovery process is quickened. However, the #### steroids also cause me to be more irritable and short tempered. It is a win/lose situation and my doctors were very careful while monitoring my steroid intake.
I've never spoken about my personal experiences with medically perscribed steroid use because I have always felt that saying that, "I Believe that Steroids are Wrong for the purpose of Enhancing Performance" was always enough.
I don't like Barry for the way he treats me as a fan...AND...I believe that Barry went on steroids to enhance his performance when he realized that his own GOD GIVEN ability was not enough any more.
SoCal - thanks for dropping in. He is a great hitter and the extent of the hatred exceeds anything else. And thanks for the support and encouragment. I appreciate it.
FP - That was a rationally stated response. Thanks for that. I have had 10 knee surgeries and am lined up for shoulder surgery on June 6 as the steroids they have given me only work for a brief period of time. I know about the steroid injections and yet I still fall prey to the surgeons knife. I guess we are all a bit different. As to your comment that you believe Bonds used steroids when his GOD GIVEN talent was no longer enough...so what makes him different than all the others who have turned to something to enhance their performance in that situation? If he used in that circumstance is all of the hatred and venom because he is an #### to you as a fan or is it easier to express because you think he used performance-enhancing drugs? Tell it like it is (which I think you have actually done to a great degree). I can't stand T.O. or Randy Moss or Duante Culpepper because of their comments and behaviors and I'd tell them that whether they liked it, cared about it, or not.
To a great extent it goes to the what did he ever do to you question. If people don't like him because he is an #### and is disruptive to the team, then there is a legit reason to rip him. Hating him with such venom because one believes he did or didn't do something based on speculation makes no sense. Your explanation about why you don't like Bonds makes more sense to me than the "steroid" reason does. He may have "made his oen bed" in relation to his behaviors in the past but with all of the #### I have heard said about him and read in regard to people's opinions of him...I wouldn't talk to anyone either. Your comments are welcomed. Thanks for the visit.
I have had shots of cortisone (steroid) under the knee caps and in the shoulder many times over the past 12 years.
Why is it that athletes can freely use this steroid, but not the ones Bonds supposedly used?
Just curious, because I'm fairly sure Bonds didn't take Popeye's spinach, so I fail to see how the steroids Bonds supposedly used are any different, logically speaking, than the Cortizone shots that athletes routinely get to recover from injuries faster.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Cortizone shots are more performance enhancing than the steroids that help you work out longer, which, in turn, builds up your muscle mass.
FP - and when I say rip them, I mean to disagree with their comments and actions and behaviors and to comment about those comments, actions and behaviors...not to wish harm of any kind to them or their families. For exampe, I think the MN Vikings, with no established QB on their roster, are better off at that position without Culpepper around. His mouth and his arrogant behaviors were wrong here and aparently they haven't worked any better for him in Miami...where he is still recovering from the knee injury he told the Vikings and the Dolphins was ready to go. I'm glad he is not here but am sorry to see that he is hurt and may never play again.
gcoach .......... I was sure you'd have wanted more of Jenna and less of Adriana ? But then again the choice or decision is hard to make as they're both hot in a sensual sort of way !
Do ya' think there'd be any taker s if I were to pose that question up in a blog ? Check out my latest post under the tophatl guise as it's a piece that I think you'll appreciate a lot. It deals with my visit to the Florida National Cemetery and the emotional effect it had on me. The piece is titled Gardens Of Stone. I look forward toi reading your comments. Chimin' out !
I am an educator and a coach. I was a goaltender in hockey until my playing days finished but now coach hockey and soccer. Once a goaltender always a goaltender. I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan, hold most professional athletes in low regard and have no time for prima donna athletes who think they are better than others who were not fortunate enough to get where these guys, or girls, are. I don't think celebrity puts anyone higher than anyone else in any capacity which, I think, is contrary to our society perception.
