Barry Bonds: Timeline of a Nightmare

Barry Bonds is in the spotlight again and not for his accomplishments in baseball but for what may have helped him perform on the field.

Bonds contends he was duped into taking steroids by Greg Anderson, who was his personal trainer at the time. Anderson allegedly gave Bonds an arthritis cream and flax seed oil which, to Barry's surprise, was illegal performance enhancing drugs.

1998

According to a book released in 2006 by a couple of San Francisco Chronicle reporters, Bonds began taking steroids in 1998 and learned to inject himself with Winstrol. He also took human growth hormone and other illegal substances. Barry continued "juicing" for at least five seasons. Although baseball didn't ban steroids until the completion of the 2002 season, it was an illegal activity in the U.S.

September 2003

Agents found human growth hormone and anabolic steroids during a raid of the BALCO facility (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative) and Greg Anderson's home. Presumably some of these drugs were earmarked for Bonds.

December 2003

Bonds testified before a grand jury and denied any claims he took steroids. Prosecutors had strong evidence that Bonds took steroids with lab tests to prove it. Ultimately, Barry negates all evidence and sticks to his claim of ignorance regarding the chemical composition of said arthritis cream and flaxseed oil.

2004

Gary Sheffield tells a grand jury that Barry Bonds brought him into BALCO'S world and Bonds was the puppet master. According to Sheffield, guys like Anderson did whatever Barry wanted.

2006

The book Game of Shadows is released describing Bonds' long history of steroid abuse.

2006

In the book Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero, the author mentions that during a conversation with dinner guests, Bonds explains he is tired of the steroid drama and, although aging, intends on taking some hardcore stuff so he could finish his career strong.

March 2006

Major League Baseball officially began an investigation into BALCO, Bonds, and any other players connected with the aforementioned. Bud Selig said, "Nothing is more important to me than the integrity of the game of baseball." This is baseball's biggest investigation since the Pete Rose scandal.

2007

Bonds is indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with perjury and obstruction of justice regarding his alleged steroid abuse.

2009

Bonds unofficially retires, according to his agent Jeff Boris. As the years progress, Boris has found it difficult to find Barry a team. Bonds feels he can still play.

2009

The trial involving Bonds is slated for March 2, 2009. This trial date is postponed.

March 21, 2011

Bonds is in court and set to face charges from the 2007 federal indictment.

Legacy

Bonds' legacy is on trial. Regardless of the case's outcome, one of the greatest athletes of our time will be remembered as an alleged steroid abuser who holds a blemished record.

If Barry admitted he took steroids, maybe the questioning would've ended years ago. The fans would have forgiven his judgment error, and he may even be playing today.

Nevertheless, the nightmare continues and his situation will not improve anytime soon.