A Written Apology to Barry Bonds

That's right, you heard me. In lieu of the Mitchell report, I feel this is necessary. Please, hear me out.

When we first heard about the investigation into the world of steroid use in baseball, you were the figurehead. I, along with many others, decimated you for tarnishing the good name of baseball.

Baseball itself made this situation possible. Although anti-steroid use rules were in effect in 1991, testing didn't begin until 2003, and even then many enhancing drugs could not be tested for. Furthermore, as the Mitchell report states, teams were given 24-hour notice of testing before it happened, plenty of time for evidence to be hidden and "cleaning processes" to take place on players, whatever they could entail.

De facto law was you could use 'em. And although you've never tested positive for steroid use, you're still on trial for perjury. I don't know whether you're innocent or not, but I know for years you've endured the anger of fans across the country, simply because you were in place to overtake Henry Aaron as the HR King, the most recognizable achievement in baseball. I was one of those rooting against you, although that was more because Mr. Aaron was a Brave and I am a Braves fan.

People like Bob Costas obviously threw you to the dogs, although all we had (and still have) is "he said, she said" stuff. The same is being said of many players implicated by Mr. Mitchell in his report. Many of us aren't sure whether to doubt the players or the evidence. But you'll notice most of us haven't mentioned we should doubt what happened to you.

When I look back at what you've said, you've maintained your innocence the whole time, never changing what you said. Much like what we're hearing from some current players whose names have been supposedly blemished.

So, even if I think you should retire Mr. Bonds, it's not because I think you're this massive cheater. I think you've been convicted too much by the court of public opinion to have a happy career anywhere other than San Francisco, but they probably won't give you a contract. I hope you can enjoy the rest of your life in peace once your legal process is finished.

Signed,

A baseball fan tired of all this steroid talk. Someone who doesn't think those that took steroids are really that bad, because it's much more widespread then just those mentioned. And a person who isn't so sure about the testimony of two people threatened with jail time.