Readers sound off on Barry Bonds

Should Barry Bonds go? The Globe received several comments from readers in response to last week's ''Quick Shots" on the idea of the Giants slugger retiring because of recent allegations of steroid use. Some of their thoughts:

Sure, I believe he did steroids, just like hundreds of other players who've passed through Major League Baseball over the last 25 years have, including a pretty good number of the pitchers who gave up home runs to Bonds. One of the benefits of steroids is aiding quick muscle recovery. Who would be more interested in that benefit than pitchers?

We'll never know how rampant the use of steroids was in baseball, but I tend to believe Jose Canseco's testimony that it was widespread. Why shoudn't it have been, after all? The powers that be in Major League Baseball turned their heads on the scourge of steroid abuse while they filled their pockets.

Steroids helped athletes become better, bigger, faster, and stronger. The ''potential" risks of health complications somewhere down the road don't mean a whole lot to a 20-year-old trying to realize his lifelong dream.

Major League Baseball practically sanctioned the practice. It would be hypocritical to force Bonds to retire. Sure, if he tests positive, hit him with the mandated suspension. If he doesn't, let him shatter Hank Aaron's storied record. MLB powers made this bed, now they can lie in it. Let each fan decide in their own minds where the asterisks should go.

MIKE SPELLMAN
Plymouth

The pitchers should take this out of Bonds's hands. He should not be allowed to pass Aaron's record or Ruth's record.

The pitchers should all intentionally walk him every single at-bat until he gets the message and hangs it up.

HOWARD RUBENSTEIN
Bedford

Barry Bonds has disgraced himself, his city, his team, his sport, and his country. In a better world, he would have retired already . . . but, of course, in a better world, he wouldn't be using steroids in the first place.

CHRIS OAKLEY
Woburn