Barry Bonds’ Personal Trainer Won’t Testify, Attorney Claims

By Mark Hoerrner

Twice previously, Greg Anderson has languished in jail because of his conscience. His loyalty to his friend, San Francisco Giants’ slugger Barry Bonds, has been unwavering during the last two Grand Jury requests for testimony. Now, facing a third Grand Jury summons to testify, Anderson’s attorney says that his client is resolute.

"He's resigned to do whatever it takes to maintain his integrity," Paula Canny, an attorney and close friend of Anderson, told ESPN.com.

No one is exempt from testimony before a Grand Jury, not even the highest ranking members of government. Failure to do so results in imprisonment, though the judge managing the impaneled jury can choose to release someone imprisoned for such if the judge believes the person will never testify.

Bonds has been accused by his former girlfriend and other associates of using steroids and of lying to the U.S. Attorney’s office during their investigation. Bonds testified that his trainer had given him two different substances which he claims were flaxseed oil and arthritis cream.

Anderson has claimed that one of the reasons he should not have to testify is because there have been so many leaks in the secret grand jury testimony. So much so that two San Francisco Chronicle writers have been able to write a book based on the leaks.

"The gross, callous and destructive breaches of grand jury secrecy in this case create ample just cause for Mr. Anderson's refusal to testify," Mark Geragos, one of Anderson’s attorneys, said previously.

Anderson also claims that a plea bargain he made with the U.S. Attorney’s office is being violated and that he was the target of an illegal wire tap.

Bonds and Anderson have been lifelong friends. After the last Grand Jury expired, Bonds asked when he would be able to return to training with Anderson.

The recent leak about the release of medical records of Bonds by the Giants organization may have an impact on Anderson’s future as the U.S. Attorney’s office has delaying putting together a new Grand Jury based on the information contained in those files, according to a spokesman for the federal government. A third Grand Jury was supposed to be put into place today, but no information on that development has been released.