Bonds Pleads Hardship, Wins Case as Judge Proves to Be Fan
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SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds, who would have made $4.75 million this season if there had been no baseball strike, asked a judge to cut his $15,000-per-month child and spousal support payments in half. Bonds pleaded financial hardship because of the strike.
George Taylor, a domestic relations commissioner, granted the request--and then asked for Bonds’ autograph.
Bonds’ agent, Dennis Gilbert, said in a court declaration that because of the strike, Bonds can’t afford the $15,000 monthly payment. He said Bonds will get only $24,000 to $30,000 in licensing money that has been withheld by the Major League Baseball Players Assn.
Bonds’ estranged wife, Sun, initially sought $262,000 per month for spousal and child support. She has since dropped her request to about $130,000 per month, according to records.
Lawrence Stotter, lawyer for Sun Bonds, said Taylor’s autograph request “really wiped out my client.”
“To have the courts look upon (Bonds) as a superhero made her feel like she was not playing on a level playing field.”
Taylor was unavailable for comment Saturday.
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