It was the case that would never die but today, Barry Bonds, baseball’s all-time home run leader, can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After more than ten years of dealing with accusations that he took performance-enhancing drugs during his MLB career, the U.S. Department of Justice has finally decided to drop all charges against Bonds.
The former star first became the target of investigation in 2003 when his trainer, Greg Anderson, was indicted on charges of giving steroids to a number of athletes. Bonds was called to testify in front of a grand jury and when he was asked if he was given steroids, he denied it. Prosecutors in the case found reason to believe that he was lying and in 2007, he was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice. Another four years later, he was convicted by a jury and sentenced to house arrest, probation, and community service. For many years after, Bonds and his attorney worked to appeal the decision and this past April, they successfully convinced a jury to overturn the conviction. But still, it wasn’t the end of Bond’s ordeal. The DOJ continued for three months to try and reverse the latest jury decision but as of Tuesday, they finally decided to let it go.
After the prosecution formally dropped its case, Bonds released a statement to the public:
“The finality of today’s decision gives me great peace. As I have said before, this outcome is something I have long wished for. I am relieved, humbled and thankful for what this means for me and my family moving forward. Throughout this process, my faith in God, along with so many who have supported me, is what has kept me going. Thank you to all of you who have expressed your heartfelt wishes to me; for that, I am grateful.”
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Barry Bonds can finally move forward with his life and leave all this drama in the past. It’s about time!
