Why was Bonds pursued? Some say it's his fame, others say it's his skin

Everyone had a theory Friday about why federal prosecutors never let Barry Bonds out of their sights for four years as the Giants slugger hit 104 home runs and broke records.

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Last update: November 16, 2007 - 7:52 PM

Everyone had a theory Friday about why federal prosecutors never let Barry Bonds out of their sights for four years as the Giants slugger hit 104 home runs and broke records.

The day after baseball's new home run king was indicted for allegedly lying about using steroids, historians and legal experts said Bonds was targeted because he shrugged off the accusations while pursuing the game's most cherished record.

"There is not a minute that goes by that some federal agent or federal prosecutor or law enforcement figure somewhere is not being lied to by someone," said Jean Rosenbluth, a former federal prosecutor in Los Angeles who teaches law at the University of Southern California.

"What the government tends to do is not prosecute perjury unless it's a high-profile case. You can send the message out worldwide saying, 'Do not lie to us.' Barry Bonds is a perfect example."

Whether his petulant behavior and singular success were enough to explain the government's drawn-out investigation remained a source of disagreement. Some scholars agreed with Bonds, insisting that given how widespread doping is in sports and the nation's uneasy relationship with black superstars, race cannot be ignored as a factor.

"This is the latest in a long litany of America's near-obsession with the troublesome black athlete. Whether it's Terrell Owens, Michael Vick or now Barry Bonds, black athletes who don't toe the line are going to be held accountable," said Steven Millner, chairman of the African American Studies Department at San Jose State.

Critics of the race argument point to homemaking diva Martha Stewart and presidential adviser I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby -- both of whom served time for perjury -- as evidence that if Bonds has been singled out unfairly it's because of the size of his paycheck, not the color of his skin.

Etc.

• Joe Nuxhall, who became the youngest major leaguer in history when he played for Cincinnati at age 15 during World War II, has died. He was 79. He also was a beloved broadcaster as "the ol' left-hander" in Cincinnati. Nuxhall died Thursday night while hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia.

• The Braves made an offer to Tom Glavine on Friday, working quickly to make a deal that will allow the lefthander to finish his career in Atlanta. A response is expected Monday.

• Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez had his third operation in two months, a procedure to remove damaged tissue from his left shoulder.

• Atlanta traded reliever Oscar Villarreal to Houston for speedy outfielder Josh Anderson. Villarreal, 25, is 23-12 with a 3.71 ERA in two years with Atlanta and three seasons with Arizona. The Braves might try Anderson, 25, in the leadoff spot. He hit .358 in 67 at-bats for Houston after stealing 41 bases in Class AAA.

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