Major League Baseball's home run king Barry Bonds has pleaded not guilty to perjury and obstruction of justice charges at a federal court in San Francisco in connection with his alleged steroid use.
Bonds and his legal team waded through crowds of reporters and fans to reach the courthouse. It was Bonds' first public appearance since he was indicted last month. The slugger went through metal detectors and waved to the crowd before heading into the hearing.
The charges stem from the baseball star's testimony in 2003 in the BALCO doping case, where a San Francisco-area supplement maker supplied steroids to several high-profile athletes. If convicted, Bonds could serve up to 10 years in jail, but he is not likely to face the maximum penalty.
The former San Francisco Giants outfielder is accused of repeatedly lying when he testified under oath that he never knowingly used performance enhancing drugs. Several of Bonds' former associates are expected to contradict that testimony.
Bonds' former trainer Greg Anderson, one of five people ultimately charged in the BALCO case, was released from jail when Bonds was indicted November 15th. Victor Conte, BALCO's president and founder, was the only other principal in the case to go to prison.
Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record finishing this past season with 762 career home runs. He played his last game as a Giant in September. The team released him and Bonds is now a free agent.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.
