Bob, Golden Gate

Roger, how serious is this for Bonds?

Roger Cossack

  (9:06 PM)

Well, we don't know. We don't know what he testified to before the grand jury. It"s been reported he didn't know he was taking steroinds. If the government can prove he lied it becomes very serious.

alan

Why now?

Roger Cossack

  (9:06 PM)

I wish I knew. Frankly I thought this was over with since it's been quite a while since he testified. The statute of limitations I believe is five years and it hasn't been that long, so who knows why.

Chris, Seattle

What kind of evidence would be sufficient to charge Mr. Bonds with Purgery, and if he is charged will there be a lengthy trial? What might the punishment be?

Roger Cossack

  (9:08 PM)

You need probable cause to arrest and they need someone who can testify that Bonds lied before the grand jury. It has to be a lie about a material fact and you have to know you're lying. It can't be an innocent mistake.

joey, California

What could this mean for Gary Sheffield, former friend of Bonds?

Roger Cossack

  (9:09 PM)

Unless Sheffield has lied under oath, it doesn't mean anything for him.

Ben, Charlotte

What might the penalty be for a guilty verdict?

Roger Cossack

  (9:10 PM)

I can't tell you what the guidelines call for but I know it's more than one year in jail. Bonds will be able to play during this investigation.

rob. philly

roger, what is the timeframe on this?could this affect whether bonds plays this entire season with giants?

Roger Cossack

  (9:10 PM)

He would be entitled to bail even if he's arrested, but we don't know if he'll even be arrested at this point. It's too early to tell.

adam (miami)

how can they prove that it was just an innocent mistake?

Roger Cossack

  (9:11 PM)

If they indict him, they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt he knew he was lying.

Josh, Orlando

If Bonds is found guilty what would MLB do? Could they trow him out? Would they just turn their backs?

Roger Cossack

  (9:12 PM)

I think they would have the right to suspend him if he's convicted of a felony, but it's way too early to talk about what MLB will do.

Hamden, CT

Why are the FED investigating Bonds and not Raffy. Isn't Raffy the one who pointed his finger and also TESTED POSITIVE?

Roger Cossack

  (9:13 PM)

We don't know who the Feds are investigating other than Bonds.

Ed (Peoria, Illinois)

Does anything he says during his "reality" show be used against him in this proceeding?

Roger Cossack

  (9:13 PM)

Yes.

Jason, Tampa

In general, how difficult is it for the government to make such cases for lying under oath?

Roger Cossack

  (9:15 PM)

Difficult because they would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bonds actually knew he was taking steroids.

mike, port saint lucie, florida

How can the government continue to leak information to sources without being held accountable? Why isn't Barry able to legally attack this irresonpsible and unlawful action?

Roger Cossack

  (9:16 PM)

He might have a right to say he can't get a fair trial because of these leaks. We don't know who leaked this material, unfortunately.

Roger Cossack

  (9:16 PM)

Thanks for the questions. Sorry it was too brief, but we'll talk more about this.