Bonds may talk with investigator Mitchell
Barry Bonds is eager for a sit-down with former US Senator George Mitchell, his attorney said yesterday, but the embattled slugger will not talk until his lawyer can be assured the information won't be used by federal prosecutors.
Mitchell, appointed in March by commissioner Bud Selig to head Major League Baseball's steroid investigation, sent Bonds's attorney Michael Rains a letter last month requesting an interview, medical records, and telephone bills. Rains wrote back saying they'd like to play ball -- but he's afraid the Justice Department will later use Bonds's interview against him.
``I'd like Barry to cooperate with Senator Mitchell," Rains said. ``He'd like to cooperate. We believe Senator Mitchell's investigation will be fair, thorough, and impartial.
``But here's the problem: Anything that happens there can become fodder for the federal government and fodder for another book that will make reporters rich."
A federal grand jury is trying to determine if Bonds lied about drug use in his testimony to the BALCO grand jury. Bonds, whose alleged steroid use was detailed in ``Game of Shadows," by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams, also could face tax evasion charges.
Mitchell has also struck out in his attempts to talk to Kimberly Bell, Bonds's ex-girlfriend. Her attorney, Martin Garbus, said FBI agents had asked Bell not to cooperate with MLB's investigation while the federal grand jury conducts its perjury probe. If her interview with Mitchell differed from anything she has told authorities, it could be used to discredit her in court.
Garbus has not decided whether his client should talk to Mitchell. ``I have not advised her to do anything at this point," he said.
Meanwhile, federal authorities are turning up the heat against athletes suspected of using or dealing in performance-enhancing drugs.
Agents searched the Scottsdale, Ariz., house of Diamondbacks reliever Jason Grimsley Tuesday for human growth hormone, steroids, and amphetamines.
The Grimsley search underscored a shift to target athletes in the probe instead of suppliers and chemists.
Also, former Yankees and Red Sox catcher Jim Leyritz made news after admitting he used amphetamines throughout his career during an interview on
Material from wire services was used in this report. 
