Homerun King Barry Bonds pleaded not-guilty today of perjury and obstruction of justice charges. He has been accused of lying to a grand jury about using steroids.
The prosecutors in the case allege that Bonds tested positive for anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Also, they claim to have evidence that he did so. In 2003, Bonds told the grand jury that he never knowingly used banned substances.
``Barry Bonds is innocent,'' said Bonds' attorney Allen Ruby. ``He has trust and faith in the justice system. We're confident of a good outcome.''
Bonds is charged with four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction. He may get a maximum of 5 years in prison for perjury and a $250,000 fine. The obstruction charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bail is set for Bonds at $500,000.
The allegations of steroid use has led some to question Bonds' records and claim that there should be an asterisk next to them. Critics of the idea, such as Syracuse University Professor Dr. Boyce Watkins, argue that such a mark would be ridiculous, since Major League Baseball is largely to blame for the increase in steroid use among players in the 1990s. "Their policy was weaker than a glass of water," says Watkins. "I argue that they didn't complain when guys were hitting 70 homeruns a year, since it helped them make money filling the stands."
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