July 26, 2007

Yesterday, I was asked about my thoughts about Bob Costas. My reaction stemmed from my feelings about Costas' statements during a broadcast. The comment I made about him was off-the-cuff and my problem with Costas is not with his height, but with his irresponsible journalism. If my choice of words offended anyone, that was not my intent. I have consistently said that reporters talk about "third party" conversations without having specific first-hand knowledge of what they are reporting. It is irresponsible and many get away with it day after day. Costas stated that what I am doing on the field is "inauthentic" and he made some really strong accusations about me. To quote him, "he would have been a first ballot Hall of Famer even before he started juicing. And I'm not in the category of those who say suspected juicer, I live on this planet I've seen what I've seen, I know what I know."

I take great offense to those statements, especially coming from someone who is supposed to have journalistic integrity and not make blanket reckless accusations.

Barry Bonds