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Did you see images of Bonds from 1997, then 1999?
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Barry Bonds in 1997 (190 lbs)
In 2001 (228 lbs)
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If a guy getting bigger consitutes definitve proof that he is a juicer, then what are your opinions on Shaq over the years? Do these images "prove" Shaq is a juicer as well?
Or is it possible that the onset of weight in the early to mid-30's combined with a voracious workout plan can actually build muscle mass?
Also, although I have no position either way on Bonds, I find it amazing that a few excerpts from a book written out of motivation for profit is taken as gospel truth, despite the actual book not being released yet, nor anyone taking the credibility of the authors into account.
Part of me thinks people already believed what they wanted, and use the publicity surrounding the book as justification rather than evidence.
The only two facts I know for sure are:
1. Bonds has never tested positive, despite being tested randomly over the past two years.
2. Despite being the main target in the BALCO investigation, no charges were ever brought against him, only against others.
Also, of the alleged substances, it is said one of them remains in the system for up to 4 years, and that seems contradictory to the clean tests, unless of course, you take into account the book may not be 100% accurate, which many with preconcieved notions are just not willing to do.
All said, all I see is a bunch of circumstantial evidence, and he may very well have done it, but it is a bit forward for anyone to assert it as a "fact".
What happens if he smacks 50 homers this year after being tested clean for 2 straight years? What will be the next to blame....his handcrafted maple bats instead of ashwood lumber?