ESPN

Amy Nelson

  (5:12 PM)

Our special Town Hall meeting on Barry Bonds will start at 6 p.m. ET. I will be by to moderate things and chat with all of you. Be sure to join in the discussion!

Amy Nelson

  (5:52 PM)

Hi everyone I'm here at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. We're about to get started with our live Town Hall. The panel is seated, the people in audience are ready to ask their questions, and I'm set to relay your comments to everyone here.

Amy Nelson

  (5:53 PM)

I'll first start by posting some of your comments, and then add what I see and hear throughout the show. And occasionally we'll try and get some of your thoughts on the air!

Chris: Canada

Barry Bonds is one of the greatest hitters of all time. Regardless of the accusations, and that's all they are, very few have hit .370 in a season. He also won several MVP awards while in Pittsburgh, and there is no way he was on steroids during that time period. Sure he will hit close to 800 home runs when it is all said and done, but the record will be short-lived if A-Rod continues at his torrid pace.

Geno Jones, Chicago, Ill

Many media members and fans want to turn BARRY BONDS into the BOOGY MAN WHO RUINED BASBALL...but Gaylord Perry can write a book on how HE CHEATED and get in the HALL OF FAME..Roger Clemens gets a pass from just about everybody(BUT JASON GRISMLEY)about how HIS body has CHANGED! not to mention all the ampheamine(greenies and red devil)users for the last 5 decades(if not longer!)that has been in the game...In the mean time, the same "media members" and "fans' don't seem to care about the racists(which was all of the entire major league before 1947),the alcoholics, womanizers, wife-beaters, bat-corkers and worst...So Hall-of-Famer, Joe Morgan and I share the same feeling...NAME THEM ALL,(not just in this era but for the last 100 plus years)OR(my words now)SHUT-UP,CLEAN-UP(the game)AND MOVE ON!!!! NAME NOBODY,

norman, ok

I think that Barry Bonds is with out a doubt one of the best ball players ever. I hope that people keep in mind that he is innocent until proven guilty. Professional athletes are easy targets if it was not steroids then others would be attacking him with some other allegation. 756

Oakland California

There is no doubt he used something to boost his performance knowingly or not. All hes trying to do now is pull the ball. After every contact he tries to do a little pose for the camera. Its not helping the team win games and it doesn't seem like the giants care if they loose or not at this point. Thats not good baseball. Who knows how big the record could be if you told them swing for the fences every time don't worry about the team and winning.

tom arkansas

Bonds' heroics will go greatly unnoticed due to the steroid scandal regardless of his innocence or guilt

Amy Nelson

  (6:06 PM)

Hi everyone Pedro Gomez just gave a live report from AtandT Park, and among the things he spoke about, was that some teammates privately have said they are tiring of the Bonds show.

Amy Nelson

  (6:06 PM)

Pedro said that some players have even gone so far to say he is the worst teammate they have ever had.

Amy Nelson

  (6:07 PM)

Should that matter, does something like that matter to fans? Let us know what you think about that!

Amy Nelson

  (6:07 PM)

Also, we're about to get into the first topic about steroids. There have been a lot of comments about steroids please send in more...

Scott - Rocky Point, NY

I am one of the few that will cheer Bonds when he ties and breaks the record. I am the same age. I played ONE game against Bonds back in '85 in a college exhibition game. I, too, ballooned up from 220 lbs to just under 260 in my 30's. Steroids, no. Creatine and every other supplement sold at GNC, yes. Most of the naysayers are non-athletic non-sports non-baseball players. Steroids cannot improve someone's ability to hit a baseball. Period.

Ed- Miami

It's amazing that the closer we get the Bonds breaking the record, the more dirt will be stirred up to create controversy. Who cares what his teammates think right now? The Giants have been crappy for a while, and the only thing selling out the stadium has been Bond's race! I think the teammates should shut up and play ball!

jon newport news va

i would like to see barry to break the record. first i want to say steroids or not you still have to have alot of skills to have the talent to even hit the ball.

George San Leandro Ca.

To answer the debate on did barry bonds take roids just ask yourself why is greganderson sitting in prison.If you can be truthful with yourself that will give you the answer

Amy Nelson

  (6:11 PM)

Bryan Burwell jsut said it means how conflicated he will be when this record is broken. He spoke about his experiences of finding out about Olympic athletes whom he covered and later found out were using performance enhancers.

Amy Nelson

  (6:12 PM)

Juan Williams is speaking about his memories of watching Hank Aaron when he was little and now when he watches Bonds, he doesn't seem him as a hero, maybe even an anti-hero. Bonds isn't someone he says to his child, gosh look at that he's someone to look up to.

Amy Nelson

  (6:12 PM)

Ellis Burks says Bonds is a hard worker and he'd be glad if he broke it. Records are meant to be broken and he'd be happy to see him do it.

Amy Nelson

  (6:13 PM)

Lance Williams says its an achievement and you have to reflect on how it was done, and he says in a way it's too bad because it detaches baseball from its root because the numbers don't mean anything anymore.

Ben - West St. Paul, MN

Even though Bonds may have indeed used Steroids, it's hard to say that was the only reason for his power surge. The fact is that he was a hall of famer before his 73 home runs a few years ago. And let's face it, records are made to be broken. Bonds will be broken, probably by A-rod in a few years. So we should celebrate his achievment as long as we remember the era in which it was done in.

Amy Nelson

  (6:14 PM)

Kirk Rueter just said Bonds is the top of his list as one of the best baseball players of all time. That draw a big applause from the audience.

Kyle (Brewster, New York)

I think that, without concrete proof, it is hard to justify disqualifying Bonds from the record book. I feel that the best interests of the fans need to be kept in mind, yet at the same time, someone can not be spurned because of allegations or personal dislike. I still don't know how I feel, personally. Hank Aaron accomplished an incredible feat, and it would be a shame to see his record unethically beaten. Here's an idea: let the players, managers, and GMs who have been around the league vote on it. Have an anonymous, but mandatory, vote among Bonds' peers. If they overwhelmingly feel his integrity is in question, then that is perhaps a better indicator than some unhappy fans.

Amy Nelson

  (6:20 PM)

Rueter says the way he was brought up until someone says they're actually done it or until its proven then they should be given the benefit of the doubt.

michael fairley, jacksonville Florida

Barry Bonds is a good player taking steriods or not. Now in our generation if someone does anything great people will think they used perfomance enhancing drugs.

Amy Nelson

  (6:21 PM)

Burwell just said I know these folks haven't paid attention to the level of sophistication about drug use among athletes.

Amy Nelson

  (6:23 PM)

Burks wants to know why Bonds isn't convicted yet if there is all this information about his guilt.

Amy Nelson

  (6:23 PM)

Baker concurs, saying why has it taken three years and three grand juries?

Rob - St. Louis, MO

can we talk science? how likely is it that someone grows several hat sizes while in adulthood?

Dennis (Danville CA)

A vote by the players won't do anything. The players will always side with one of their own and protect them until the bitter end.

james curtis augusta ga

where is the proof? innocent until proven guilty dont bash a man because you have not accomplished what is in bonds future

Aaron Miller Edmond, OK

Barry Bonds name should not even be associated with Hank Aaron. Hank was natural, a worker, and a hero. Barry is fake, a drug user, and a liar. He used "The Clear" and admited to it. Let's strip the * from Rodger Marris and give it to Barry. I think he deserves it more.

Daniel Bozeman Tampa, Florida

Do steroids help you hit a baseball? If so then every person on the streets would take steroids and hit 753 homeruns!!!

Allen Grant - Las Vegas

My head size is bigger now at 37 than when I was 18 , explain that?

Michael (St. Louis, MO)

Bonds was a HOF before the drug acusations started flying and rumors were spread. Even if Barry did take steriods he owns the fastest bat in all of baseball, by a wide margain according to the study done, and steriods dont effect the twitch muscle that controls the bat's speed.Also, players are compared to and are relavent to their era, Barry is the best player of the steriod era, period. Apparently many players have taken steriods, have any of them reached the level where Barry Bonds is? No.

Amy Nelson

  (6:27 PM)

Dusty is saying he feels insulted by Bryan Burwell saying everyone in the game knew. Dusty asked how was he supposed to know waht people were doing when they left the ballpark?

Amy Nelson

  (6:28 PM)

Juan Williams told Dusty that he saw Barrys body and that he looked like a trim athlete to someone who blew up.

Amy Nelson

  (6:30 PM)

Burwell just said to the audience that they don't care if he's a cheat as long as he's their cheat.

Steven Portner (Nc)

everyone has gyms, but how does somone gain 22 lbs of muscle mass in 100 days like bonds did (0stated in Game of shadows)

Matt-Atlanta

We ALL know what he did and its absolutly NO FAIR!I mean ANYONE can use performance enhancing drugs and be an awesome athlete These guys and not just Barry Bonds but ALL Professional Athletes must set themselves apart...Thats what makes them so awe inspiring!! I mean come on>>

jeffrey, moulton,al

all these do goodeers of America need to take along look in the mirror and say we cant prove anything. we need to stop and prove something.when i graduated i weighted 122 at age 44 i weight 200, i guess iam on steriods too.

Amy Nelson

  (6:35 PM)

We're at a commercial break and the discussion is heating up ... we're slated to have to topic of fairness come up soon. Send in your thoughts...

Chris, Panama City, FL

This era is the "steroids era," and many players were juicing. Barry Bonds, juiced or clean, is STILL head and shoulders above ANY OTHER HITTER during this time. Plus, how many pitchers were using??

Amy Nelson

  (6:37 PM)

An audience memeber wants to know is this a media witchhunt becuse of Bonds relationship with the media?

Ray Holiday, Fl

If Barry was to hit one more home run and then retire. He would be listed as a hero. Red carpet to Cooperstown.

Bill Tucker - Milwaukee, WI

Barry was already hitting home runs and was a hall of famer even before he was traded to the Giants. Leave the guy alone

MULLY, NJ

How can Dusty Baker deny responsiblity for playing someone he suspects using steroids?

Berto - Reading, Pa

The standard in America is your innocent untill your proven guilty, right? Has Bonds been proven guilty of using steriods? NO. So, let's stop assuming....cuz we all know what assumptions are. Let's give Bonds the benefit of the thought untill/when/if he's proven guilty of using an illegal substance.

Aaron (Nothern, NY)

I'd like to say to Jeffrey (Moulton, AL): No Jeff, you just gained a lot of weight! If it was all muscle people may question you. Or, maybe they'd be impress with your dedication to put 78 lbs of muscle over 26 years! My guess it's just fat. Sorry.

Ryan-Ohio

Bonds isn't treating the great players of old fairly. He is breaking all of their records using steroids.

Gary, North Charleston South Carolina

I believe that when Hank Aaron played the "game" it was just that a game! Barry bonds is playing in the "business" era of the sport. In short, I'm saying that they threw the money at him and designed the park to enhance his HR count. I think it's more a race issue than a steroids issue. Just ask Mark McGwire!!!

Amy Nelson

  (6:42 PM)

Burks says it's obvious Bonds is not a media friendly guy, which drew a laugh from the crowd. He said he felt over the years the media built up an attitude about Bonds.

Amy Nelson

  (6:42 PM)

Burks said i don't think anything Bonds does is going to be right.

Alex Knaack, FL

When Barry retires with the record and if/when he gets into the Hall of Fame, then how come we keep Pete Rose out? Pete Rose gambled on baseball, yes, but he didn't cheat.

Andrew Grand Junction, Colorado

I hope that Bonds will never be in the HOF to protect the integrity of the game.

George (Detroit)

Benefit of the doubt have you seen Barry's head lately!!!!!!

Mike, NY

What's not "fair" is watching someone break one of the most significant records in sports history as a cheater.

Nick, Rochester, NY

Throughout the history of baseball, you have to compare a player to others in his era in the game. The rules of the game change, strategies change...everything changes throughout time, so you can't just compare stats. Bob Gibson had a sub 1.50 ERA for several years; he was one of the greatest pitchers ever, but he wouldn't have the same stats today. Athletes always cheat, and it has always been a part of baseball (i.e. Gaylord Perry - spitball). Many players in this generation cheat, and Barry is hands down the greatest player of his generation.

Grant - Allen, Texas

Barry Bonds hasn't been proven guilty of cheating because baseball doesn't want him to get caught. Baseball is loving most of the attention they are getting with Bonds because their ratings are good and everyone knows about the record. What else does baseball have to put them in the spot light right now?

Amy Nelson

  (6:45 PM)

Kirk Rueter says that Barry's not normal, neither is Roger Clemens, but that doesn't mean they are users, you have to have the proof. Unless you have the proof, then you have nothing.

Joe CT

I don't care what Barry or anybody says when they say he didn't take steroids. He started to hit home runs at a record pace in the late 90's. He was a better player at 39 years old then he was when he was 30 years old. And he was twice the size. No one does that unless they are not human or they are on something. He took steroids and everyone knows it even he knows it he's just to afraid to atmit it. He is not a hall of famer he cheated. He broke the rules and he is a disgrace to baseball.

Ari Chicago

Mike is absolutley right. I would rather see any other player in baseball break the record besides barry bonds.

Amy Nelson

  (6:46 PM)

The next topic is race, please sent in your comments.

Mike (Yardley, Pa)

Race has absolutely nothing to do with this!!! Everyone saw how Mark McGwire got treated when word got out that he used steroids.

Amy Nelson

  (6:52 PM)

Hi everyone I'm trying to get to your commetns but we've had over 5,000 so far! I'm doing my best, please keep writing in...

joe,albany,NY

race has nothing to do with barry bonds cheating by using performance enhancing drugs and breaking arguably the most hallowed record in all professional sports

Ralph Fort Collins, CO

Barry is using race as a crutch to draw focus off of himself. This is because inside he knows he is guilty and doesn't deserve the accolades which would be bestowed on anyone else (black or white) who would break this record naturally.

John- Lancaster, PA

Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame, as the best player of his era. Be it the Steroid Era, the Dead Ball Era, the Post War Era, ect. The best players of these eras belong in the Hall of Fsme. You can debate which players from which eras are better, and who is ultimately the best. Those debates are, and always have been one of the great things about the game.

Brian Memphis, TN

What kind of example are we setting for the youth that one day dream of getting into the big leagues? That they can do anything to get there, including cheating, as long as they are productive. What if we used the same measure in academics? The person could use an open textbook as long as they became someone notable later on. If they didn't become someone, they would just be forgotten anyway.

Amy Nelson

  (6:57 PM)

Burwell feels that there are a number of white fans who dislike Bonds because the color of his skin and he feels that there are a number of black fans rooting for him just becaue Bonds is black.

Amy Nelson

  (6:58 PM)

Bob Ley just asked Baker about how race will factor into this 30 years from now?

Amy Nelson

  (6:58 PM)

Dusty said he's gotten hate mail too, even last year...he hopes 30 years from now that people will look through the eyes of God and not through the eyes of color.

Brian (Boise, ID)

The only reason race figures into this discussion is because YOU, the media, talk about it. SHUT UP and talk about Bonds and baseball

Gilbert Cin. Ohio

I love Black people and I love White people, now lets play ball or as Ernie Banks use to say lets play two.

Amy Nelson

  (7:00 PM)

Guys, we will be moving on to the Hall of Fame as a discussion, please send 'em in and in the meantime I'll do my best to post as much as I can.

jim (sacramento)

burwell is right on that front, but those people that r cheering for him or against him based on the color of his skin are just as bad as bonds is for denying that he has ever knowingly took steroids!

teddy(daytona, florida)

it doesnt matter what color any athlete is if they accomplish something great i will root for them we all our the same HUMAN BEINGS the race thing is over used

Sam Dallas< TX

Let's be serious, we all know that Barry being black has a lot to do with this. Just as Hank was treated back in his day Barry is being treated the same. Whites just can't stand the fact that they are losing "their" sport.

Amy Nelson

  (7:02 PM)

I've got a question for everyone: do you think Bonds is a Hall of Famer?

Oscar Sacramento

First Ballot Hall Of Famer for sure

Chad: Sacramento, CA

Yes Bonds is a Hall of Famer. When your the most feared player in the league for consecitive years, that alone should qualify you for the hall of fame, not to mention his repeated MVP seasons!

Amy Nelson

  (7:10 PM)

Burwell feels Bonds is a Hall of Famer prior to his alleged start of steroid use.

Amy Nelson

  (7:10 PM)

Buster Olney said he's voting for anyone in the steroid era who has the numbers because it's impossible to know who was and who wasn't, so you judge the era as the juiced era and induct those with the numbers.

Patrick(Rochester, NY)

We are in a time dubbed the "Steroid Era". Bonds is hands down the best of this era. Have we downplayed the pitchers of the "Dead Ball Era'?

Jayme- St. Louis, MO

I think Barry Bonds deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He was and still is a very good player. I don't care for him very much, mostly because of he acts, not because of race. In his early career he was very rude and not very nice to the media and fans. But as a player, he is a Hall of Fame player.

Covington, TN

Should Bond's be in the Hall of Fame? Not before 4,256 hits.

Mike Tampa, Florida

Bonds is the greatest player I've ever seen in my life. It's just sad that his legacy is clouded with did he or didn't he use steroids. It just makes sad for the game of baseball

Amy Nelson

  (7:17 PM)

dusty says the phrase "if you ain't cheating you ain't trying" that bothers me.

Amy Nelson

  (7:18 PM)

then dusty said kirk haven't you heard the same thing?"and ruter said, "I heard it from you Dusty!" which made the room erupt with laughter

Joel, Winnetka, CA

When all is said and done, Bonds may go down as the best cheater of them all..that will be his legacy

Kevin, Diamond Bar, CA

My question to the panel would be, why should Barry be allowed in the Hall of Fame amidst his controversy of his records when Pete Rose has never and will never be allowed when his controversies happened outside of him being a player?

Michael Shackelford Blue Lake, California

Barry has one of the sweetest swings I have ever seen. You could put any other player in the league on steroids and the only one who could do as much as Barry has is A-Rod. Barry Belongs In Cooperstown!

Sean (Rapid City)

I agree with Kevin of CA, Rose bet as a manager and it is not proven he bet against his team. Bonds may have cheated to change the outcome of games. Rose only bet on his team. Couldn't you put Bonds on the same leve as Tim Donaghy as cheating to change the outcome of games.

Cris, Sacramento

Selig's statement, including the "guilty until proven innocent" crack was completely hypocritical. With him at the helm this era came into being. If I were him, I would resign immediately. He has as little integrity as the roided players

Amy Nelson

  (7:26 PM)

ok everyone we're wrapping this up

Amy Nelson

  (7:27 PM)

i'll do my best to post as much as i can before we leave the air!

Mike - Maryland

Barry Bonds is one of the greatest baseball players to live. I follow baseball and play myself. I took steroids myself at one point while playing in college. I know for a fact because I use to take steroids for baseball that it is not steroids that makes him a great player. Its what you do day in and day out that shows what kind of player you are. You guys blast Dusty about the steroids but my coach never had a clue I was taking them either.

Anthony Acosta - Norwalk, CA

I feel that there are many different ways to disect this issue, but the line MUST be drawn when an individual breaks the law; Cheating tactics are a part of the game, and if you get caught- shame on you, but I don't think that cheating is the same as braking a law. other than maybe a personal ethics law, but the last I checked, drug abuse is breaking the law and he must answer to a higher court than baseball!

LeRoy (Anoka, MN)

Not true Sean, Rose ,as the manager, could pick and choose what players he would pitch in certain games. Whether it be a game he bet on or not. NOT betting on his team in effect is the same as betting against his team. Who would YOU pitch in each game?

Scott Allen Vandalia Ohio

If Barry gets is inducted into the Hall of Fame then Pete Rose should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. If you induct both of them then you should induct Shoeless Joe Jackson.

Dave, Minnesota

Yes, cheating is cheating, however the use of steroids is also a criminal act.

Kevin (Fairfield, CA)

Sean from Rapid City is a sandwich short of a pinic to put Bonds on the same level as Tim Donaghy. The league was corrupted with steroids if Barry goes down, you might as well take everyone else that played during the "juiced era."

Amy Nelson

  (7:29 PM)

the question posed, is bonds a hero or a legend?

Amy Nelson

  (7:29 PM)

baker thinks he will be both, buster think he'll be a legend, rueter thinks bonds is a hero to him because he won rueter a lot of games

Amy Nelson

  (7:29 PM)

we're about to wrap this up guys ...

Amy Nelson

  (7:30 PM)

thanks so much for all of your thoughts and comments!! we really appreciate it!