Feds say they'll prove trainer gave Bonds steroids

[September 25, 2008]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Federal prosecutors say they will prove personal trainer Greg Anderson supplied Barry Bonds with the steroids that led to a positive test in November 2000, the offseason before the slugger hit a major league record 73 home runs.

In a court filing Wednesday, prosecutors provided a glimpse of their trial strategy against Bonds, who's accused of lying to a 2003 grand jury investigating steroids use among elite athletes. Prosecutors said they have two documents showing Bonds tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2000 and that Anderson supplied the drugs, but they did not give details.

Prosecutors made the claim in opposing Bonds' bid to have nine of the 15 felony charges against him tossed out.

Bonds has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of making false declarations to a grand jury and one count of obstruction of justice. He's accused of lying when he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs during his 2003 grand jury testimony.

In asking that some of the charges be dropped, Bonds' lawyers argued that prosecutors asked ambiguous and confusing questions during his grand jury appearance.

For instance, Bonds argues that the question, "In the weeks and months leading up to November 2000, were you taking steroids?" is ambiguous because of an ill-defined time element. He answered no.

Prosecutors countered Wednesday that a jury should decide whether the question was unfair. They said the two documents they have showing Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2000 will put that question into context.

Bonds' lead attorney, Allen Ruby, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Bonds' trial is scheduled to begin March 2.

[Associated Press]

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