Poll: Doubts about steroid policy, Bonds

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Most baseball fans think Major League Baseball could do more to curb the use of steroids, and they have doubts about slugger Barry Bonds as he chases the sport's career home run record.

Baseball has fallen short on keeping the sport drug-free, according to 53 percent in an Associated Press/America Online Sports poll. Those most likely to think that way are fans 30 and older and those with more education.

Almost two-thirds of fans have unfavorable or mixed feelings about Bonds, the Giants left fielder who is chasing the home run record while fending off accusations that he used steroids.

Hank Aaron holds the home run record of 755, followed by Babe Ruth with 714. The 41-year-old Bonds is closing in on Ruth's total.

Many fans say Bonds should not be allowed into the National Baseball Hall of Fame if he is found to have used steroids or other such drugs. The timing of any steroids use could be crucial in public support for Bonds getting into the Hall.

Half of those polled were asked if Bonds should be allowed into the Hall of Fame if he is found to have used steroids or other performance enhancing drugs, and 61 percent of them said no.

However, the other half of the sample was asked if he should be allowed in the Hall if he was found to have used such drugs only before baseball enacted rules against them in 2002, and 57 percent said yes.

Helton out of hospital:

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was released from a Denver hospital after spending the weekend being treated for a stomach ailment.

The team said the five-time all-star was at home "resting comfortably with his family."

Helton, 32, can't return to the active roster until May 5.

Hernandez reprimanded:

Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez was reprimanded by the team's television network for "inappropriate" remarks during a broadcast about a female member of San Diego's training staff.

The former MVP first baseman said women "don't belong in the dugout" when he spotted 33-year-old Kelly Calabrese, the Padres' full-time massage therapist, high-fiving Mike Piazza in the dugout after Piazza hit a home run Saturday.