Why did Barry Bonds get so much negative attention? Because he's Black?

Question

Why did the media not give as much attention to Marion Jones? She was just as dominant in her sport and she admitted steroid use?

Some people play the race card and say it's because Barry Bonds is Black, but so is Marion Jones. So why is it that Barry is the favorite "pick-on" by the media?

Kris, read the post. I never said it was race.

That's my point. I don't think race had anything to do with it, because Marion Jones is Black. I have my suspicions, but I want YOUR opinion.

Guillermo T, very well written post! I agree that Marion is a sweetheart. I still like her regardless of her steroid use. However, if Venus Williams ran track and won those gold medals, I probably would go against her because she is just too abrasive to me. Same thing is true for Bonds as you said. He put himself there.

Answer 1

Your right that race has nothing to do with it.
Here are the factors:
1. His attitude towards the Media
2. The overwhelming popularity of the sport he plays and the sports history.
3. The evidence against him.

He is playing a sport that prides itself in its class, and history. So the fans want to hold themselves to a different degree, they feel the sport is much more than entertainment, its history to them, because the sports history goes so far back and is remembered and spoken about today. In that respect they dont think that a guy who has such a sour puss attitude towards everyone. (whether its correct or not we do not know, but thats the perception). Barry was on track to break the all-time Home Run record, surpassing Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, one is considered the greatest to ever play, and is an icon to this sport, the other, the on ewho holds the record is the ultimate good guy, these are all perceptions people, and that leads to th Media, they get nothing from Bonds, and because who ever covers baseball knows the history and respect it, they already give Barry a strike. This mean guy who has attitude is gonna break this sacred record, so all his negative comments, anything he says that can make him seem conceited or abrasive or make him look like a bad guy will get coverage. so the media doesnt do alot to change the perception, and neither does Barry to be honest. So its a cycle, that gets escalated when the media outlets, (Radio, TV, Press) get hold of eveidence that makes this "bad guy" look even worse, he is a cheater now, a book comes out basically pointing out how Barry cheated and giving us more evidence feeding the fire. The cycle continues, He continues to reach for milestones, making the media more upset, he gets more abrasive, and the fans see that side of him.
Therefore fans want to see more, media gives more and Barry fans the flames.

Marion Jones was a sweetheart, her sport was not as popular, but she was a good person. So they give her the benefit of the doubt, along with her apology and "honesty" she gets a pass. to take it further lets look at Jason Giambi, or even Rafael Palmeiro (a minority). Giambi is the cool guy the nice guy and gave a pseudo apology and seemed sincere. Palmeiro got busted, hard eveidence he failed a test, he joined the ranks of many GREAT players with his stats, like Barry has (but Barry has not failed a test), and Palmeiro has shots taken towards him to this day and rightfully so but does not get the coverage Barry does is because unlike Barry, Rafael Palmeiro was never as abrasive towards the media, even though he has been proven to be a cheater, liar (to fans and congress), and a player who joined the rank of great players, he just doesnt rub people the wrong way like Barry has for a long time.
In many ways Barry has done this to himself, and isnt going to fix it soon.

Answer 2

Marion Jones wasnt pursuing the all time home run record in MLB. Marion Jones admitted the truth and gave back her medals. Whereas, Barry Bonds lied his *** off, disrespected the game and all those around him. The media isnt suppose to be anyone's friend. They are just there to report the news and if it involves making someone look bad, so be it. But everyone knows that Bonds has a reputation for being an asshole so any way he is perceived is probably accurate. Bottom line, he is the total opposite of Marion Jones when it comes to character.

Answer 3

ok, well you cant compare marion jones to barry bonds... Barry broke one of the biggest records in all of sports and is in a bigger spotlight. compare the fanbase of baseball nationwide or worldwide to that of track...not even close. Now to hit on the race card...I personally believe that the only people that think this are the ones who still believe black people as a whole are still being opressed, which is ridiculous. Barry is also not well liked because of the way he treats the media, so therefore they will not hesitate to show him in a negative light. Keep an eye on Clemens now that he is in the steroids spotlight, even though he has been more of a fan favorite than barry by far, I think if it turns out he DID use them, then he will be ridiculed just as much.

Answer 4

1. In the US more people are aware of baseball than track & field.

2. Barry Bonds has always been a bit anti-social, especially with the press. He don't like them and the feelings are mutual. Marion Jones doesn't have that baggage.

Answer 5

Marion Jones is not the greatest comparison, since it is not the same sport, nor caliber of baseball.

As someone has already mentioned, watch the Clemens issue. See how many people "want/dont want to believe Clemens used. See if he will be guilty by public opinion as much as Bonds was. That will tell you exactly how race plays into all of this

Answer 6

It's just due to the false media reports showing Barry Bonds as a "mean" person and self centered, which from my experience of meeting him multiple times in public, are myths. He shakes hands, signs autographs, chats with fans and does not "hate" people. I'm not defending him..... Just sharing my observations.

If I was a high profile athlete, I'd tend to shelter myself, shun attention and get abrasive when my "space" is being invaded upon. That's all that Barry does to protect himself and I don't think it's wrong.

Answer 7

Marion Jones admitted to using steroids Bonds never has and apparently lied to the grand jury about it. Also baseball seems to be more interesting than track.

Answer 8

If anyone answers yes to that question, they need to rethink their world. He lied about taking steroids: "I did not know why I got so big and strong..." Don't all men in their 30s bulk up on muscle and double their size? For beer bellys and love handles, perhaps, but not hitting baseballs out of the park. The sad thing is he was a very good player before and now he will be forever tainted.

Answer 9

Barry Bonds is not even remotely a nice person. From his rookie year to today he has never been fan or teammate friendly. Now I know this fits many of today's modern atheletes, but few have obtained what he has. He has repeatedly told fellow teammates that he will not sign autographs for them, let alone the fans. I know these guys get bombarded, but fellow teammates. As they say, what goes around, comes around. Very few people, players, or members of the press have any sympathy for this guy. Nobody owes him a favor. It's his right to be who he is, just don't expect any breaks from anyone.

Answer 10

Simple answer: Americans are saps for apologies. If Barry just admitted to it and apologized he'd be welcomed with open arms back into the hearts of fans. (Clinton, Marion Jones, Giambi, etc) But because he decided to be a douche his entire career, I don't expect anyone to be rushing to forgive him.