Barry Bonds: Why He Failed His Drug Test Intentionally
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by user Timothy Moreland (Bball3345)
Recently, it was released that suspected steroid-user Barry Bonds had failed a drug test for ampethamines during the 2006 season. For a first-time offender, there is no suspension; however, the player must take six drug tests the following season. In addition, the name of the player is supposed to remain confidential, which obviously did not work. It is my belief that Barry Bonds did not only fail the test intentionally, but also leaked his own name to the press.
Bonds will likely pass Hank Aaron this season to move into first place all-time in home runs. A vocal majority of fans do not want Bonds to pass this record, if he has juiced. Knowing this, Bonds wants to pass the mark with the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, the media has leaked grand-jury testimony in which Bonds admits to unknowingly using performance-enhancing drugs. He has denied this, but the denials have, for the most part, fallen on deaf ears.
With words not an effective means of clearing his name, Bonds has moved to actions. He decided to use amphetamines until he was tested last season. After knowinly failing the test, he stopped his use of speed. This one failed test was enough to get him the extra drug tests for 2007, the targeted record-breaking season. Unfortunately, the rules state MLB will keep the names of failed drug tests confidential on the first offense. Not wanting to face a 25-game suspension to get his name leaked, Bonds leaked the information through an anonymous informant.
Why would Bonds leak his own name? Two reasons: 1.) Most people won't care much about his failed test if it is not a test for steroids; therefore, it should not hurt his legacy, 2.) He wants the world to know he will be given "extra attention" in 2007. If fans know he is getting tested frequently all season, Bonds has hard evidence that he could not have been juicing during the season.
Now, obviously, Bonds, or any other player, passing a steroid test does not mean they are not using performance-enhancing drugs. He could be using HGH or passing the test through other means. Still, what does Bonds have left but to try anyway he can to terminate the belief he will pass Aaron on steroids?
