The Barry Bonds trial wrapped up its Tuesday with Jeff Novitzky on the stand, so he returned on Wednesday morning for cross-examination. The actual cross-examination didn’t go on for too long, with Bonds lawyer Allen Ruby arguing that the government didn’t release notes from its interviews with key witnesses so that their testimony could be verified. Ruby also took this opportunity to question a tape recording of a conversation between Bonds trainer Greg Anderson and Bonds friend/assistant Steve Hoskins. Ruby argued that the government cut Hoskins a deal to get him to testify against Bonds (by dropping a case Bonds had filed against Hoskins for forged memorabilia), and also that the transcript of the recorded conversation has been altered. The conversation will be a key part of the trial, so Ruby knows he has to question its integrity.
Barry Bonds Trial Continues Wednesday With Steve Hoskins
Next to the stand was long-time friend of Bonds, Steve Hoskins. Hoskins spent a lot of time detailing his history with Bonds, explaining how the two developed a close relationship. Hoskins handled Bonds’ money, paying off mistresses, and he testified that he did distribute some money to Greg Anderson. He also testified - in a bit of a surprise - that he became aware of Bonds’ steroid use in 1999. He said Bonds asked him to discuss one particular steroid with his personal orthopedic surgeon, Arthur Ting.
Hoskins continued, touching on how Bonds would complain that steroid injections made his “butt sore”. Hoskins never personally saw Bonds get injected, but he saw him together with Anderson all the time and once saw Anderson enter a bedroom with Bonds and then leave holding a syringe. He also said that Anderson once told him that Bonds was using human growth hormone. Hoskins testified to changes in Bonds’ appearance - specifically shoe size.
Eventually, Hoskins figured that Bonds’ steroid use was “getting out of hand”, so he conspired to tape the conversation between himself and Anderson to prove to Bonds’ father, Bobby, what was going on with his son.
That’s just about where we are now. Allen Ruby has not yet had an opportunity to really dig in against Hoskins in cross-examination. Judge Illston is currently trying to decide whether or not the Hoskins/Anderson tape will be admissible. The defense argues that it’s hearsay, and the government can ill afford to lose it, as it’s a key part of their case. Speculation is that it’ll be admitted, but that Ruby will make the government work for it.
Follow along in this StoryStream for updates, and also get more information from SB Nation Bay Area’s Barry Bonds trial coverage, for which David Fucillo will be live-blogging - and live-tweeting - from the courtroom. You can follow on Twitter @SBNBayArea.
