Lawyers Say Bonds Never Got Steroids

<br>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Calling for a probe of leaks in the case, lawyers for two men accused in a drug-distribution ring reiterated that Barry Bonds never received steroids from the Bay Area Laboratory

Friday, March 5th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Calling for a probe of leaks in the case, lawyers for two men accused in a drug-distribution ring reiterated that Barry Bonds never received steroids from the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative _ which allegedly provided drugs to top athletes.

``Our clients have adamantly stated they have no evidence of Bonds doing any wrongdoing,'' said Troy Ellerman, who represents BALCO vice president James Valente. ``There's no evidence that Bonds did anything, other than rumor and innuendo.''

Ellerman and another attorney, Robert Holley, called Thursday for a probe of how information was obtained by a newspaper that reported Bonds received steroids and human growth hormone from his personal trainer, Greg Anderson _ who allegedly got them from BALCO.

The San Francisco Chronicle, quoting information it said was given to federal investigators, reported Tuesday that steroids were given to Bonds, New York Yankees stars Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield, three other major leaguers and one NFL player. Bonds, Giambi and Sheffield all have denied using steroids.

Valente, Anderson, BALCO founder Victor Conte and track coach Remi Korchemny all have pleaded innocent in the alleged steroid distribution.

Meanwhile, a federal grand jury withdrew subpoenas issued to the two agencies used by the major leagues _ Comprehensive Drug Testing of Long Beach, and Quest Diagnostics of Teterboro, N.J. _ and issued new ones. The grand jury had sought records of last year's survey drug testing, which under baseball's labor contract, were to remain anonymous, and the companies had until Thursday to comply.

``My understanding from counsel is that the government withdrew the original subpoenas and issued new subpoenas, which are narrower in scope, with a return date of April 8,'' said Gene Orza, the chief operating officer of the players' association.

Officials of the commissioner's office and the union had suggested that the subpoenas could be limited to the tests of those involved in the inquiry.

Conte's attorney, Robert Holley, said at a news conference in Sacramento that Conte was given permission by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston to attend The Arnold Classic Fitness Expo this weekend in Columbus, Ohio.

He will join California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and about 70,000 other attendees at the expo, which includes strength competitions such as the Hummer tire lift and male and female arm-wrestling.

The annual expo, which will feature an appearance by Schwarzenegger, is a top event for weightlifters and bodybuilders _ exactly the clientele Conte targets for his nutritional supplements, such as the zinc-magnesium supplement ZMA.

When asked about Conte's whereabouts, Holley said: ``He is a very powerful and good businessman and he is promoting his ZMA product back at the Arnold Schwarzenegger convention, the same as they have done the last five years.''

Holley was asked whether Schwarzenegger, a seven-time Mr. Olympia who has admitted using steroids during his bodybuilding career, had taken any of Conte's supplements.

``I don't know, but I'm sure that we'd be happy to send him a free sample of ZMA,'' Holley said.

Schwarzenegger has for years strongly supported the Arnold Classic that bears his name. The governor also attended the Mr. Olympia contest in Las Vegas last October, just 19 days after unseating Gov. Gray Davis in a recall election.

The competition, which begins Friday and runs through Sunday, includes martial arts, gymnastics, fencing and cheerleading as well as strength events. Admission is $10, but anyone who buys a $350 VIP ticket is promised a photo with Schwarzenegger and a chance to mingle with the governor at a buffet-dance party.

``He'll be there. Will you?'' says the www.arnoldclassic.com Website promoting the weekend expo. ``Arnold will be at the weekend the way he always has been. Don't let rumors keep you away from the weekend. Arnold wouldn't miss the chance to see you.''