BONDS PRESS STATEMENT

The Cochran Firm, with 21 locations nationwide

Barry Bonds announces that he has retained San Francisco Bay Area Attorneys Todd Schneider and John Burris to represent him in connection with legal issues arising from the myriad of false statements attributed to him by players, the media and others. Burris and Schneider, both long time civil rights attorneys, believe that such statements are defamatory and have legal consequences. Schneider and Burris want the public to know that Barry's silence in the face of the accusations should not be construed as an admission of any kind. In fact, Mr. Bonds retained Schneider and Burris because of the false nature of these statements.

While pursuing Hank Aaron's home run record, Barry felt that it was more prudent to remain silent. Now that the record has been broken, Burris and Schneider will evaluate any and all statements attributed to him that are false. His attorneys are particularly concerned about individuals profiting from his accomplishments by attributing statements and/or conversations to him that never occurred.

Schneider, a nationally known civil rights attorney who has acted as counsel in numerous high profile class action matters including Satchell v. FedEx, Singleton v. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Bates v. UPS and others, says it is truly unfortunate that, at a time when we should all be celebrating Barry's incredible athletic accomplishments, certain members of the public and of the media are attempting to personally profit by making false and misleading comments about Mr. Bonds. This conduct has to stop and should not be tolerated by a society which prides itself on free, open and fair public dialogue.

Burris, a long time media analyst and nationally known civil rights and criminal defense lawyer who has represented numerous high profile clients including Rodney King, Tupac Shakur, Keyshawn Johnson, Gary Payton, and San Francisco Police Chief, Earl Sanders among others, says that he is particularly troubled by the continuous character assassination of Bonds and the media's efforts to diminish his accomplishments by allegations and insinuations of steroid usage. Burris says, "this is particularly disturbing in that Bonds is frequently tested and under the major league's drug testing policies he has never failed a drug test for steroids". Burris says, "Bonds' attorneys will seek to hold anyone and everyone accountable for putting lies/untruths/false words, etc. in Barry's mouth."

Although, neither Burris nor Schneider represented Barry during the FBI investigation, they believe that it is shocking and offensive to Barry's civil rights to have a three year Federal investigation for perjury and income tax evasion when the chief witnesses are an alleged former girl-friend who is seeking to exploit her relationship with Barry by "telling all" to Playboy and a disgruntled former business partner whose cheating Barry reported to the FBI. Barry reported his business partner's conduct before there were any allegations of perjury, steroid use, or tax evasion. Burris and Schneider strongly believe that this investigation should be closed down and the lead investigator should be investigated himself for gross misconduct.

Finally, both Schneider and Burris acknowledge that Bonds is a public figure and thus people have a right to voice their opinions about him; however, they both strongly assert that there is no right to make false statements and attribute them to him. As lawyers, "we can make sure that everyone understands there are limits to free speech and that for those who cross the line there will be a price to pay."

In summary, Barry's lawyers believe that at this historic time in baseball history, Barry Bonds' accomplishments on the field should be celebrated. Those who attempt to profit on false and misleading statements are on notice that Schneider and Burris will protect Mr. Bonds' rights to the full extent of the law.

For questions contact:
Todd Schneider (415) 421 7100
John Burris (510) 839 5200

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