I think so, Baggy. It's kind of like the conspiracy theory some people came up with about Michael Jordan when he first retired in the mid-nineties. They said he was going to be kicked out of the NBA for gambling issues, but since he was the most popular and marketable player, David Stern asked him to retire for a year and then come back when the storm had died down.

Just like Bonds' situation, it can't be proven. But it does make you wonder given the circumstances.

I think Bonds could have played in 2005 earlier than when he came back.:shrug