Aaron needs to take a stand on steroids issue, By: Craig Muder

April 16, 2007

Henry Aaron is making a bold statement by refusing to attend the coronation of the new home run king.

Too bad not everyone will get the message.

Aaron announced last week that he will not be in attendance when Barry Bonds hits home run No. 756 in August or September. In a way, that's a shame — because it's not just about the new guy at the top of the heap. It's also about honoring Aaron, who has held the record for an incredible 34 years.

As iconic as a figure as Babe Ruth is — as he will always be — many of today's baseball fans grew up knowing only one man as the home run leader. And Aaron wore the crown well.

But if he doesn't want to be there for Bonds, that's understandable. With the steroids cloud of suspicion that will always hang over the Giants' slugger, no one could blame Aaron if he sees this as a tainted record.

Problem is, Aaron didn't acknowledge that. When asked why he wouldn't be in attendance for Bonds's record, Aaron basically said he had better things to do.

If that's the case, Hank better change his priorities. If Aaron really doesn't have issues with Bonds, then he needs to be there — just like he was there in Los Angeles on Sunday for Jackie Robinson Day.

And if this is a protest, Aaron needs to say so. Few will fault him for being suspicious of Bonds and his bulk. In fact, many would applaud his stand.

Sadly, we may never know the truth about Barry. But what we are left with is this: Aaron hit 755 homers without the aid of any illegal drugs.

Until we know that for sure about Bonds, the true home run king will still be Hammerin' Hank.