Is Barry Bonds Treated Unfairly?

Barry Bonds is arguably the most polarizing figure in sports.

Why? Is it because he is so stand-offish with the media and others, or is it more because of...well...colorful reasons? I believe it is more because of his personality, and less because of his race, and here's why. 

I could write a 1000-word essay about the reasons I could find to support my premise, but in the interest of keeping this short and sweet, here's my No. 1 reason: Ken Griffey, Jr. 

Well, what do you mean, Ken Griffey, Jr? Think about it for a second, and compare the two. Both were prodigious power hitters, amazing talents, and black. Even though Griffey isn't chasing the all-time record, I still believe the juxtaposition is valid, and I'll even be nice and tell you why. 

In the kids' heyday, it was generally assumed that if Griffey stayed healthy (which he didn't), he would be a shoo-in to reach the record, and was universally beloved by fans.

I mean, my God, the man had his own baseball game on Nintendo. HIS OWN GAME! In the late '90s, you would've found it hard to find an athlete more popular than Grif. Which brings us back to Barry Bonds.

So, how is Bonds different from Griffey? Similar talents, both black, what's left? That's right, my friends—personality.

And, don't let me forget to mention that Bonds' assumed use of steroids is a personality issue in my book.

Good guys don't take steroids. Good guys don't cheat. In this case, however, I do want to highlight the word "assumed," because we still aren't sure Bonds actually took steroids, even though the evidence is mounting.

Barry Bonds could've been more like Griffey. He could've been happy-go-lucky, smiling while taking batting practice, signing autographs for kids before ballgames, and cementing himself as one of the true greats in the history of the game.

He still will go down with great stats in his career. I mean, GREAT! But, there's a reason he still isn't on a team this year, and it isn't because of his abilities. 

Barry's fall from grace is entirely his fault, steroids or not.