Post by Coach2 on May 16, 2007 8:16:03 GMT -5
www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4808279.html
Berkman says HR record would be 'tainted'
Astros slugger also believes Selig should be present for Bonds' event
Astros coverage Barry Bonds didn't want to talk about his chase for the all-time home run record Tuesday before the Giants opened a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Astros slugger Lance Berkman had more than enough to say for both of them.
Berkman believes the all-time home run record will be tainted when and if Bonds surpasses Hank Aaron's mark of 755. Bonds is 10 home runs from tying the record.
Reportedly, Bonds told a grand jury he took substances that prosecutors believe are steroids. Because of that, some fans and media have said the record would be tainted if Bonds breaks it.
Asked if he thought the record would be tainted, Berkman didn't hesitate.
"Yeah, I think it is tainted," he said. "I think people are going to look at it as tainted whether it truly is or not. I think it has gotten to the point now in the media that people are assuming that he's guilty. While it's not what we're supposed to do in America, it's certainly what's happened in this case."
That said, Berkman does not agree with putting an asterisk by the record.
"Until somebody can prove something, no, there shouldn't be (an asterisk on the record)," he said.
Moreover, Berkman believes baseball commissioner Bud Selig should be in attendance when Bonds breaks the record.
"You have to be there ... until they can prove something one way or the other," Berkman said. "I know that they got his testimony and this and that from the grand jury, but until you've actually said this record is definitely artificially enhanced, then (Selig) has no choice but to be there, like if it were any other player breaking the record.
"I'm not necessarily always a huge fan of the way the commissioner handles his business, but in this situation, I think he's in a real tough spot. I don't see that he has any option but to be there. It doesn't matter if Barry is unliked nationally. He's still the commissioner of the game.
"The record is fixing to be broken whether people like it or not. And I think as the commissioner, he almost has to be there."
Berkman says HR record would be 'tainted'
Astros slugger also believes Selig should be present for Bonds' event
Astros coverage Barry Bonds didn't want to talk about his chase for the all-time home run record Tuesday before the Giants opened a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Astros slugger Lance Berkman had more than enough to say for both of them.
Berkman believes the all-time home run record will be tainted when and if Bonds surpasses Hank Aaron's mark of 755. Bonds is 10 home runs from tying the record.
Reportedly, Bonds told a grand jury he took substances that prosecutors believe are steroids. Because of that, some fans and media have said the record would be tainted if Bonds breaks it.
Asked if he thought the record would be tainted, Berkman didn't hesitate.
"Yeah, I think it is tainted," he said. "I think people are going to look at it as tainted whether it truly is or not. I think it has gotten to the point now in the media that people are assuming that he's guilty. While it's not what we're supposed to do in America, it's certainly what's happened in this case."
That said, Berkman does not agree with putting an asterisk by the record.
"Until somebody can prove something, no, there shouldn't be (an asterisk on the record)," he said.
Moreover, Berkman believes baseball commissioner Bud Selig should be in attendance when Bonds breaks the record.
"You have to be there ... until they can prove something one way or the other," Berkman said. "I know that they got his testimony and this and that from the grand jury, but until you've actually said this record is definitely artificially enhanced, then (Selig) has no choice but to be there, like if it were any other player breaking the record.
"I'm not necessarily always a huge fan of the way the commissioner handles his business, but in this situation, I think he's in a real tough spot. I don't see that he has any option but to be there. It doesn't matter if Barry is unliked nationally. He's still the commissioner of the game.
"The record is fixing to be broken whether people like it or not. And I think as the commissioner, he almost has to be there."