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Originally Posted by Razor Shines 1B
So you take this same approach with Barry Bonds then, I assume?
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There is simply no comparison between the facts regarding Armstrong and Bonds:
1. Armstrong is the most tested athelete in history. During the last few years he was subjected to testing 24/7. The general concensus is that the tests used in cycling are as reliable as any. He has never failed a test. Bonds on the other hand was never tested during the period in question because baseball did not test.
2. Armstrong has always denied that he used illegal drugs. Based on his leaked grand jury testimoney, Bonds admitted that agents from Balco gave him a rubbing balm and a liquid substance he called "the cream" and "the clear". BALCO founder Victor Conte had identified "the clear" as the designer steroid THG, and prosecutors contended "the cream" was a testosterone-based ointment. Bonds said that at the time he did not believe them to be steroids, deeming instead that they were flaxseed oil and arthritis cream.
3. Bond's physical appearance changed dramtically over a short period of time causing many to speculate that he was using performance enhancing drugs. Armstrong's appearance has never changed abnormally.
4. The "evidence" against Armstrong has consisted of hearsay, statements by persons with an obvious bias, and reports in the French press which are unsubstantiated. On the other hand the evidence aginst Bonds is overwhelming, including an admitted close connection between him and Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), the heads of which have pled guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering. Morover Greg Anderson, Bonds personal trainer, plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering and was found in contempt of court for refusing to testify in court against Bonds. Anderon has also been linked to dealing steroids to both Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield .
5. Armstrong has consistently brought civil litigation against any who have accused him of cheating, even when he knew that such suits would force him to testify under oath. He has testified under oath and denied taking drugs under oath on several occassions. The only time Bonds testified under oath was when he was subpoened before a grand jury relating to the BALCO steroids scandal . There have been numerous recent reports that Bonds will be charged with perjury as a result of this testimoney.
So while this is not to say that Armstrong was clean or that Bond's wasn't, the evidence against one is shaky to say the least while the evidence against the other is overwhelming. There is no comparison.