SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds is publicly referring to himself as a convicted felon, and he's quick to point out that conviction was never for steroid use.
He appealed his obstruction of justice conviction from April 2011 on one count of giving an evasive answer to a 2003 grand jury investigating illegal steroids distribution.
When asked Monday if he regrets any connection to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, Bonds said: "I am a convicted felon of obstruction of justice. That's what I've got." The slugger attended the Diamondbacks-Giants doing charity work with kids.
The 47-year-old home run king, looking especially lean at about 212 pounds from his new love for cycling, hasn't played since 2007 and sees no reason to formally retire just yet — and insists his Hall of Fame chances are far from his mind.