Much of the criticism IS petty and personal. If you don't think so just look over these threads. I feel having constructive discussion is a good thing, but how do you have that when people here and elsewhere fall back on the name calling.
Hating what has been done to the game is a very reasonable reaction. I don't like it either. But an argument can be made as to whether Bud Selig and others in baseball management are even more to blame that those who used enhancers. When an unclear message is being sent, it's dishonest later to act stunned that players took advantage of loopholes. Did you see the panel with Mays, Morgan, Gibson and several others who said if enhancers had been available in their time they may have used them too? Many players have taken advantage of anything available at their time to give them a leg up. Uppers were widely used. Arguments can be made that those using them should have astericks. Athletes are competitive by nature. Does taking a shortcut make you a hero? No, but how many have taken shortcuts and not been caught.
I just see that all the ire people feel about the situation is being projected on Bonds. I'm not so sure that he should be the whipping boy for all that's wrong in baseball. He's an easy target, but is he necessarily the right target?
Some critics are fairly villainized. Not everyone is honestly being a critic "for the good of the game." I just think it's a bit early for "facts" on how Bonds should be perceived by history. You're right, I'm not ready to accept your version of things as FACT. Mainly because I think the facts are not clear as to how to handle the situation. I don't think that means my thoughts are any less valid than what you tout as facts.
Not a good argument, unless Selig was operating the syringe injecting the bovine growth hormone. Bonds can't blame it on anyone but himself.
And if he's the whipping boy, it's because he's the one still in the sport; he's the one climbing the record boards on the backs of chemists and veterinarians.
...but how do you have that when people here and elsewhere fall back on the name calling.
All I ask is "are the names accurate?"