In June 2003, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) had received an anonymous phone call disclosing information regarding the manufacture, distribution and use of steroids involving the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO) and some high profile athletes. Later revealing himself to be US sprint coach Trevor Graham, the informant submitted to the agency a syringe that had traces of the steroid called tetrahydrogestinone (THG) or ‘the clear.’ For a time, detection of this substance was impossible, making it more attractive for distributors and users alike; but at that time the evidence was submitted, a procedure had already been developed to detect it. The substance was confirmed to be ‘the clear,’ and so investigation began. On September 3, 2003, BALCO facilities were searched, and further evidence against them was obtained. Among these were containers of steroids and growth hormones, financial and medical records, and lists of the names of people to whom these were distributed. On the list was Major League Baseball (MLB) player Barry Bonds.

On September 5, 2003, the home of Greg Anderson, Bonds’ personal trainer, was searched, and investigators were able to find and seize documents which were according to them prove that Bonds had been using steroids for at least three years, running from 2001 to 2003. A grand jury investigation into the case began on October 5, 2003, and on December 4, 2003, Bonds was given the chance to speak before the jury in his defense.

Bonds admitted and denied allegations against him. He admits working with Greg Anderson during the baseball season following the investigation as well as receiving from him certain clear and cream substances and supplements, in addition to physical training and workout. However, he was told that these were flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for his arthritis, legitimate substances along with the other nutritional supplements he received from his trainer. The federal prosecutors presented the seized documents indicating that these substances were actually the then undetected steroids – the clear, which was taken orally, and the cream, which was rubbed onto the body – and that he had been using these since 2001. They also presented a detailed list of drugs he used, among which were insulin, human growth hormone, Clomid and Depo-Testosterone. Bonds maintained all through out the investigation that he had not known whether or not the substances were steroids. He adds that his relationship with Anderson was not only that of a trainee and a trainer but that of friendship, for which reason he trusted and did not question his decisions in handling the training.

The prosecution successfully proved, however, that did pass from BALCO to the athletes, including Barry Bonds. On October 18, 2005, the San Francisco court sentenced Victor Conte, BALCO chief, to four months in jail and another four in home confinement; Vice President James Valente got probation; while Anderson received six months, three of which will be spent in jail. Conte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply steroids; Valente to steroid distribution; and Anderson to money laundering and steroid distribution. This conviction, much more admission of distributing steroids have huge impact on Bonds, both as one of the athletes identified as working with Anderson and BALCO, as well as one who denied having used steroids or at least knowing that he had been using steroids. The case now turns to Barry Bonds. Did he or did he not lie under oath and before the grand jury when he denied the allegations set to him? Offering testimony to the case in the first place affords Barry Bonds immunity; however, if he lies under oath, he may still be charged for perjury.

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