Bonds's ex-trainer files appeal

A former trainer of San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds wants out of jail, despite refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating steroid use.

Greg Anderson, 40, filed papers to a U.S. Appeals Court on Wednesday in the hope of being released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif.

The government must file opposing arguments by Sept. 20.

"We will respond in court as appropriate," U.S. attorney spokesman Luke Macaulay said Thursday.

Anderson was jailed Aug. 28 when he refused to testify for a fifth time, and was charged by U.S. District Judge William Alsup with contempt of court.

Alsup told Anderson that he would be returned to jail until either he changes his mind or the grand jury's term expires in 16 months.

Anderson was jailed 15 days in July, only to be freed when that grand jury's term expired on July 20.

He already served three months in prison and three months of home detention after pleading guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering stemming from the U.S. government's investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO).

Mark Geragos, Anderson's lawyer, maintains that numerous grand jury leaks have left his client mistrustful that his testimony will be kept confidential.

He also contends that Anderson refuses to testify because it would violate the terms of the plea bargain, which state that he wouldn't co-operate with the government.

Illegal steroid ring

BALCO president and founder Victor Conte, vice-president James Valente and Anderson were convicted last Oct. 15 of operating an illegal steroid distribution ring.

BALCO allegedly supplied steroids to elite athletes, including Bonds, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, former NFLer Bill Romanowski, and sprinters Tim Montgomery and Marion Jones.

The name of Gary Sheffield, another Yankees player, also came up during Monday's hearing as Alsup recited questions that went unanswered by Anderson.

According to court documents, federal authorities wanted Anderson to testify about doping calendars obtained at his home. The charts allegedly have Bonds's name on them.

Bonds testified that he did not "knowingly" take performance-enhancing drugs and that Anderson provided him with flaxseed oil and arthritic balm.

Authorities suspect that Bonds lied under oath. He is being investigated for perjury and tax evasion.