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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2006

Bonds will retire after this year — maybe

Associated Press

Bonds

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Barry Bonds might retire after this season. Or, maybe not.

The San Francisco slugger gave differing accounts this weekend, first saying this year would be his last — no matter whether he hits the 48 home runs he needs to break Hank Aaron's record.

Then last night, he said he would play in 2007 if his surgically repaired knee is OK.

In a story posted on USA Today's Web site yesterday afternoon, Bonds said the game isn't fun anymore.

"I'm tired of all of the crap going on," he was quoted. "I want to play this year out, hopefully win, and once the season is over, go home and be with my family. Maybe then everybody can just forget about me."

A few hours later, MLB.com reported Bonds said his health will determine how long he plays.

"If my knee holds up, I'll keep on going," he said. "I'm playing psychological games with myself right now. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if things don't work out this season. So I go back and forth. Back and forth every day. These are the things that are going through my mind. This is what I'm struggling with."

Bonds can be moody and sometimes changes his mind. In May 2004, he told reporters in New York that, "Half the stuff I say, I don't believe."

Bonds turns 42 on July 24. He said he plans to report today to spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.