Rays/MLB

Bonds' lawyer seeks leak probe

Slugger's medical records were handed over by team, and attorney wants to know who's giving that info to paper.

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 25, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds' attorney is asking federal authorities to investigate who told a newspaper that the Giants forwarded the baseball star's medical records to a grand jury investigating him for perjury and tax evasion.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday that the U.S. Attorney's office had received the medical records last week in response to a subpoena issued to the San Francisco Giants.

Bonds' lawyer, Michael Rains, said there is nothing in the records indicating Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs. Still, Rains said Monday that he would file a complaint with a federal judge in San Francisco protesting what he alleged was a government leak of his client's medical records.

"Basically, we're sending a letter to the U.S. Attorney and court seeking an investigation into the leak of the medical records," said Maggie Bedig, a Rains spokeswoman.

The government's steroid probe has been riddled with leaks, and investigators already are seeking the testimony of two Chronicle reporters to find out who leaked them the secret testimony of Bonds, Yankees slugger Jason Giambi and other athletes who testified before a grand jury in 2003.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan denied his office was the source of any leak.

"The government understands and readily complies with its obligation to keep all sensitive material confidential," Luke Macaulay said Monday in a statement. "We always welcome, and have in fact ourselves requested, investigations into all potential sources of leaks of such sensitive material, including potential non-governmental sources."

Bonds is suspected of lying to a grand jury when he testified in December 2003 that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

A second grand jury was convened to investigate those allegations, as well as whether Bonds failed to pay taxes on the sale of memorabilia.

That grand jury expired last week without handing up an indictment, but a new panel will take up the probe and begin hearing testimony as soon as this week.

Steroid allegations hold down auction price on 715 ball

The ball Barry Bonds hit for his 715th home run may sell for a fraction of the $1-million it might have fetched had he not been dogged by allegations of steroid use, according to sports memorabilia collectors.

The ball, up for auction starting today, may go for as little as $50,000, said Jared Weiss, president of Steiner Sports Marketing in New Rochelle, New York. Peter Siegel of Gotta Have It Collectibles in New York said the ball that vaulted Bonds ahead Babe Ruth into second on the career homer list won't sell for more than $350,000.

Without the steroid suspicions, both Siegel and Weiss said, the 715 ball might go for $1-million.

Mpire and Bay Area online marketplace eBay are co-hosting the 10-day, internet auction. Bidding began Monday afternoon.

Investors can see bids posted at www.ebay.com/715.

[Last modified July 25, 2006, 01:33:54]