Major Controversies Surrounding Barry Bonds: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Barry Bonds.

Barry Bonds, a former MLB left fielder, played 22 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-1992) and the San Francisco Giants (1993-2007). Widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest, his career is marked by exceptional achievements but also controversy. Bonds holds MLB records for career home runs (762), single-season home runs (73, in 2001), and career walks (2,558). Allegations of performance-enhancing drug use have significantly impacted his legacy and Hall of Fame consideration.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

May 12, 1993: Ejected During Game Against Rockies

On May 12, 1993, Barry Bonds and his father, who was a coach, were ejected during a game against the Colorado Rockies for their role in an on-field fight.

December 1994: Bonds and Branco divorce

In December 1994, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco divorced, which became a media affair due to the prenuptial agreement.

May 9, 1996: Bonds shoves journalist

On May 9, 1996, Barry Bonds shoved USA Today journalist Rod Beaton in the team's clubhouse after an argument regarding access rules, resulting in a grievance filed by USA Today.

December 4, 2003: Bonds testifies about substance use

During grand jury testimony on December 4, 2003, Barry Bonds said he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by his trainer, Greg Anderson, who claimed they were flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis.

2005: Hensley Suspended for Steroid Use

In 2005, Clay Hensley, who would eventually give up Barry Bonds's tying home run in 2007, had been suspended by baseball for steroid use.

2005: Aaron on Steroid Controversy

In 2005, as the steroid controversy surrounding Barry Bonds intensified, Hank Aaron expressed his reservations about Bonds' statements and reiterated his stance against drug and steroid use in sports.

March 2006: Release of Game of Shadows

In March 2006, the book "Game of Shadows" by Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada, alleging steroid use by Barry Bonds, was released and generated significant media attention.

May 2006: ESPN airs Bonds on Bonds

In April 2006 and May 2006, ESPN aired episodes of "Bonds on Bonds", a reality TV series focusing on Bonds' chase of home run records. The show was later canceled in June 2006 due to creative control issues.

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May 2006: Publication of 'Love Me, Hate Me'

In May 2006, Jeff Pearlman released a biography of Barry Bonds titled "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero", portraying Bonds as polarizing and talented.

Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero

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June 2006: Bonds on Bonds canceled

In June 2006, ESPN canceled the TV series "Bonds on Bonds" due to "creative control" issues with Barry Bonds and his representatives.

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January 2007: Bonds' Positive Test for Amphetamines

In January 2007, Barry Bonds reportedly tested positive for amphetamines, violating baseball's amphetamine policy. He initially attributed it to a substance taken from teammate Mark Sweeney's locker but later retracted the claim and apologized.

February 14, 2007: Lawyer pleads guilty to leaking testimony

On February 14, 2007, Troy Ellerman, a lawyer for Victor Conte, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury testimony in the BALCO case, receiving a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence.

November 15, 2007: Bonds indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice

On November 15, 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges related to his testimony in the BALCO case, alleging he lied under oath about steroid use.

2007: Indicted on Perjury and Obstruction of Justice

In 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury during the BALCO investigation.

February 14, 2008: Typo sparks media frenzy

On February 14, 2008, a typo in court papers erroneously alleged that Barry Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2001, a month after hitting his record 73rd home run. The reference was meant to be a November 2000 test.

April 11, 2010: Bonds comments on McGwire and retirement

On April 11, 2010, Barry Bonds expressed pride in Mark McGwire for admitting steroid use. He also noted that while it wasn't the time to retire, he wasn't in shape to play immediately.

2010: Nikolai Bonds charged with misdemeanors

In 2010, Barry Bonds's son Nikolai was charged with five misdemeanors resulting from a confrontation with his mother, Sun Bonds. A restraining order was granted against Nikolai.

March 21, 2011: Bonds' trial commences

On March 21, 2011, Barry Bonds' trial for obstruction of justice commenced, with Judge Susan Illston presiding.

April 13, 2011: Bonds convicted of obstruction of justice

On April 13, 2011, Barry Bonds was convicted on the obstruction of justice charge, for giving an evasive answer to a question under oath.

December 15, 2011: Bonds sentenced in obstruction of justice case

On December 15, 2011, Barry Bonds was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation, and 250 hours of community service for obstruction of justice stemming from a 2003 grand jury appearance. The sentence was delayed pending appeal.

2011: Convicted of Obstruction of Justice

In 2011, Barry Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice following the perjury charges being dropped.

April 22, 2015: Conviction overturned

On April 22, 2015, an 11-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit voted 10-1 that Barry Bonds' testimony was not obstruction, overturning his conviction.

May 2015: Bonds files grievance against MLB

In May 2015, Barry Bonds, through the players' union, filed a grievance against Major League Baseball, arguing collusion in not signing him after the 2007 season.

August 2015: Arbitrator rules against Bonds in collusion case

In August 2015, an arbitrator ruled in favor of MLB and against Barry Bonds in his collusion case, dismissing his claim that the league colluded to keep him from being signed after 2007.