Would people still hate Barry Bonds if he were "NICE"?

Question

People love Jason Giambi because he is a nice guy who likes the media and kids. When he confessed to using steroids he apologized. Fans and the media seem to have "forgiven him". If Bonds were always nice to kids and the media (like Big Mac or Sammy Sosa) would people hate him as much? Would anyone care about the steroids accusations? Is this more about Bonds being a jerk or a cheater? Will this impact his Hall of Fame chances?

Answer 1

Sadly, a lot of people here have never met Barry Bonds in person. That's why they allow themselves to get brainwashed by the media into hating him.

I've met Barry many, many times in person on the street, at the ballpark and at my place of employment (EA Sports).

Contrary to what the media says, Barry is kind, not a "jerk", willing to chat, will sign autographs, is not self-centered and is truly down-to-earth. The moment that really defined his true personna was after he had gotten his knee scoped for the umpteenth time and was coming out of a Jamba Juice in Foster City, CA. Even with a serious limp and knee brace, he chatted it up with various people, signed autographs and shook hands with well wishers, even though he was in obvious pain.

No excuses, no bitching and no complaining. Just being himself. I wish that people would see his "true" personality and will find out they're wrong for judging him.

Answer 2

No. I actually like Barry though. I feel he cheated but a lot of players we grew up loving did. It was part of the game and baseball just ignored it. Now it is so much of a big deal I just laugh.

People are hypocrites.

People like a$$kissers, which Bonds won't do.

He will definately be in the Hall. Should be first ballot, otherwise it would be a shame. The guy is an amazing ball player. Steroids don't make you able to make contact with the ball or steal 40 bases. Take Jason Giambi's brother, Jeremy. Took roids and still sucked. There really is no evidence that it makes you hit homeruns, Jeremy didn't. I hope he breaks the record and I won't crucify him for it like most seem to want to.

I truly think a lot of players take HGH to speed up the injury healing process. They play so many games and that takes a toll on the body. I don't think it makes you a better athlete.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about people hating Barry Bonds because of his attitude. I watch the baseball games because I like the sport, and I like the Giants. I would say it would do a lot for his image if he were nicer to people. But I don't worry about it. He is only one person, and one person doesn't make a team.

Also, Jason Giambi isn't close to Hank Aaron's home run records, so he is not a 'threat' like Bonds is. People seem to want to discredit Bonds mere because of the home run record more than anything else.

Answer 4

Giambi has very deliberately admitted in public to nothing, and will continue not to do so as long as people like you keep on hearing what you think he said. So you're doing over half of his job already.

As for Bonds, hatred is irrational. Were he a nice guy, the haters would simply claim it was nothing but an act, and use any bit of fiction (Bonds once refused to sign an autograph for my cousin's friend's brother after he'd already signed like 200 for other fans) to support their contention.

Bonds has no hope (and probably no interest) in winning over these people, so his best course is his chosen one -- ignore them.

Answer 5

I think you answered your on question when you said the forgiveness came after the admission (on Giambi) Although I don't like a cheater if these guys where man enough to say they did take steroids(that's if they did) I think people would be more forgiving.In my mind it has to do with evidence being stacked against you and not wanting to man up to it...that's what I hate...the lie!! And not saying anything is just as cowardly.

Answer 6

I think that people would definitely have a higher opinion of Baroid if he was a little nicer. Personally my disgust for Barry has more to do with Baroid being a racist and would not want my kids to watch or listen to! As far as talent there is every indication that Baroid is among the greatest of all time.
Further more in today's age where we are further ahead on not seeing the color of peoples skin it truly is disappointing that Baroid still plays the race card as much as he does.
Just my 2 cents hope i didn't offend anyone

Answer 7

I don't think so, I believe msot of the animosity and hate for Bonds comes from the fact that he is soon going to be taking a record that isn't rightfully his. IF he had accomplished this years ago or before there was any question about the use of performance enhancing drugs, and he were a nice guy then he would most likely be a fan favorite all around. I mean look at Dennis Rodman, he was an *** and weird as hell but people loved him, especially if he played for their team.

Answer 8

Whether Bonds is nice or a punk is ballast, kiddo.
Bonds tried to beat the system with junk in his body, and he's paid the price in the court of public opinion. The HOF voters will be his jury, and if justice is served, his executioners. That would make my day.
If he gets into the Hall of Fame, just board it up--it won't mean a thing anymore with a punk like him in there.
And knock off this crap about his race. A junkie by any other color would reek just as bad. . . .

Answer 9

I think Bonds perception as arrogant is a chief factor in people's dislike of him. He has made some attempts to be personable in the last few years, but it is too little too late. Charging for autographs, special locker room area, rudeness, aloofness -even if these aren't all true the perception is there and he must know it.

The reality is that baseball stars are celebrities so their image will impact their popularity.

Answer 10

no because giambi is not about to break hank Aaron's record, Sosa and Big Mac Weren't or aren't either. Its more than just being mean, or breaking rules, hes breaking records while doing both of those things