Barry Bonds was a controversial figure and created multiple incidents during his career. This included conflict with his teammates, opposing players, and even fans. It led to an unfortunate reputation that surrounded his every move. Furthermore, a less-than-favorable relationship with the media didn’t help. In 2006, he called “bullsh*t” on a divisive list, as he ranked higher than Kobe Bryant. 

Since retiring, Bonds has mellowed and tried to heal his relationship with the public. But it is a laborious task between his horrific disposition and his PED usage. Additionally, his being mentioned on this 2006 list pointed to his poor reputation in the public eye. 

Barry Bonds was one of the most hated athletes in 2006

In 2006, GQ Magazine ranked him the second most hated athlete in the world. He featured alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant and even Curt Schilling. But the San Francisco Giants legend was not pleased with the list and expressed unhappiness. This was in “Bonds on Bonds,” a series that covered Bonds as he chased down Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron’s home run records. 

In the video, Bonds said, “The 10 most hated athletes, oh that’s what you give me. Phil Mickelson, how did he? He ain’t hated. Okay, Bonzi Wells, no, he’s not a criminal. Kobe Bryant, that was just for a moment. Um, Curt Schilling, yeah, he can be in there with us. And then you got me second. Who said this? And then T.O., how did T.O. get in front of me? That’s bullsh*t right there man.” 

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He seemed displeased not only because he was on the list, but where he was placed on it. But this was a maybe a result of his own actions throughout his career. Furthermore, it had an impact beyond his ranking on this list. 

Bonds’ aloofness was probably a catalyst for the hatred

On page 205 of the book “Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero”, Giants announcer Ted Robinson said, “In private his smile lights up a room. But he doesn’t use it enough.” This chilly nature of his also led to an aloof relationship with his teammates as well. As a result, despite his stature as one of baseball’s best players, Barry Bonds struggled to get sponsorships.

Read More: “He Feels Uncomfortable”: Disturbed by Michael Jordan’s “Billionaire Habit”, Giants Legend Barry Bonds Shunned Millions Due to His Nature

Barry Bonds was a truly divisive character during his MLB career and that led to a lot of negative reactions toward him. What do you think about Bonds being ranked second on the most hated athlete’s list?