Netflix will have a special broadcast of MLB Opening Night next week as the New York Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants. To the surprise of many, Netflix has announced that Major League Baseball's home run king Barry Bonds will be part of their broadcast.
"Barry Bonds is in the building. The Home Run King, 7x NL MVP, Single Season Home Run Leader and Giants legend joins the crew for MLB Opening Night: Yankees vs. Giants," Netflix proudly announced on Thursday.
The Controversy
Bonds' implication in the steroid scandals of the 2000s forever tainted his career and is the main reason he remains on the outside of Cooperstown despite holding the MLB record for home runs.
The announcement was immediately met with shock and surprise at the addition of the most polarizing player in baseball history.
More importantly, Bonds is known for having a contentious relationship with the media due in large part to the repeated questions about the extent of his steroid use.
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As a result, fans really let Netflix have it with this announcement:
"Why do players who had combative, adversarial, toxic relationships with media then join the media?" former ESPN journalist Joe Schad wrote.
"This netflix MLB games is brought to you by Big Pharma. You too can use the same pharmaceuticals your hero players used. Buy now and get a free month on us when you buy 3 months worth," another mocked.
"Will he analyze which drugs are most effective?" a third remarked.
Bonds will probably never find redemption in the eyes of fans who will forever view him as a cheater. But if he ever hopes to get a place in the Hall of Fame, it can't hurt to open up to the public a little bit more.
