The Bonds Prosecution: The Judge Deals the Defense a Blow
Until now the Barry Bonds defense team has been doing pretty well. They have successfully convinced the court to exclude certain incriminating documents from the use of prosecutors against Bonds. But most importantly, Bonds' former trainer, Greg Anderson, remains uncooperative with the prosecution and subject to incarceration for his silence.
Most observers believe that Anderson is the lynch-pin to the case against Bonds. Anderson may be able to testify that he was the one who supplied steroids to Bonds and that there was a connection to BALCO.
Now the prosecution may have another way to connect Bonds to steroids and BALCO. Judge Susan Illston has ruled that the prosecution may call other "juicing" players, including Jason and Jeremy Giambi, to testify about how they got steroids and the role BALCO and Anderson played in their alleged cheating. Bonds' attorneys believe all this shows is improper "guilt by association."
However, the prosecution is permitted to show that a criminal defendant, like Bonds, participated in a criminal "common scheme or plan."
As of now, the Feds will parade at least 5 players who can prove a common plan to cheat by using steriods and Bonds' proximity to it.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.