Selig denied a report on SI.com today that he planned to attend, saying he doesn't feel comfortable talking about the subject, which has followed him all season. Bonds, the San Francisco Giants left-fielder, needs five home runs to break Hank Aaron's career mark of 755.

"I said I'd do it at an appropriate time and I'll determine what the appropriate time is," Selig told reporters at a meeting of the Baseball Writers Association of America. "There has been no change in that."

Selig chose not to use the setting of tonight's All-Star Game at AT&T Park in San Francisco to announce baseball's stance on Bonds. There are no plans for any major-league baseball official to be present for the milestone or to congratulate Bonds with newspaper advertisements after the event, Selig said.

Baseball has distanced itself from Bonds following allegations he used steroids, charges he has repeatedly denied. Bonds told a federal grand jury he unknowingly used performance- enhancing drugs, the San Francisco Chronicle reported in 2004.

"I understand I am the commissioner of baseball and this is the most hallowed record in American sports," Selig said. "I'll do what is in the best interest of baseball."

The Giants play a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers starting July 13 in San Francisco and then go on a seven-game road trip to Chicago and Milwaukee. While Bonds is cheered in San Francisco, he is often booed on the road and the Giants would like Bonds to break the record at home.

Former Commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered the Atlanta Braves to play Aaron on the road in 1974 when he was close to breaking the record of 714 held by Babe Ruth. Selig declined to say if he would force the Giants to play Bonds.