- ABC World News with Charles Gibson reported on the story at 6:44, using Dave O’Brien‘s ESPN call. In a pre-recorded interview, host Charles Gibson spoke with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and Sports Illustrated writer Frank Deford. Deford: “There’s so much circumstantial evidence against Bonds. This is someone who found the fountain of youth. … I think this guy is a very disagreeable churl … that is part of it. I think if he were a more agreeable character, more people would have gone along…” Smith, on the racial component to the story: “It’s not that African Americans do not suspect that [Bonds used drugs] but they recognize the unfairness that has been aimed in his direction.”
- Also on ABC, Nightline reported on the Bonds home run last night “while Bonds was still rounding the bases.”
- NBC Nightly News had a very brief report on the story at 6:50. Substitute host Ann Curry reported that President Bush called Bonds to congratulate him.
- The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric reported on Bonds’ home run at 6:55, as the final story on the program. Armen Keteyian had a three minute report.
ESPN acquires expanded Players Era tournament
What is quickly becoming one of the highest-profile early season college basketball events is now moving to ESPN.
