Barry Bonds is an idiot

In the first day of the perjury trial of MLB all-time home-run leader Barry Bonds, that was, in essence, the argument made by Bonds' attorneys.

Because, really, only an idiot who is an eight-figure, that is, $10-million-plus a year professional athlete, will use a substance without knowing what it is.

But, that's what his mouthpiece claims:

Barry Bonds admits using steroids during his baseball career, his lawyer told a jury Tuesday. The catch is that Bonds' personal trainer misled him into believing he was taking flax seed oil and arthritis cream.

"I know that doesn't make a great story," Allen Ruby said during his opening statement at the home run leader's perjury trial. "But that's what happened."

That said, given that the records of his personal trainer, Greg Anderson, are inadmissible in court, legally, this is Bonds' best strategy.

As for the government's case, girlfriend Kimberly Bell will be key. Now, Ruby will likely try to impeach her character by claiming she has ulterior motives. But, unless he can present clear evidence to that end, it's going to be hard indeed to prove that.

I'm sure Ruby won't call Bonds to the stand to try to contradict her, either.

As for the government having a vendetta? Well, Jeff Novitzky might; he's about as competitive as Bonds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Parrella? I highly doubt it.

Beyond that, there's no middle ground, legally or factually. What charge could be offered instead of perjury in a plea bargain? And, would Bonds accept it? Not likely.

As for his legal guilt, I put odds of conviction at 3:2 against. The government has enough of a chance, and enough investment in the case, it won't fold its tent.