WASHINGTON (AFP) - Barry Bonds had been introducing his fellow professional baseball players to BALCO officials and the firm's controversial performance-enhancing products, according to a report in Sports Illustrated.
New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield said San Francisco Giants star Bonds introduced him to a "cream" product that Sheffield applied on his surgically repaired knee.
Sheffield claimed that he was not aware "the cream" was a steroid or that he had done anything illegal at the time.
"I was mad. I want everybody to be on an even playing field," Sheffield said.
Sheffield said Bonds also introduced him to BALCO president Victor Conte and Bond's trainer Greg Anderson. Conte and Anderson were indicted with two others on charges of conspiring to distribute performance-enhancing drugs.
Bonds and Sheffield used to room and train together but Sheffield told the magazine he wants nothing more to do with Bonds.
"I don't want friends like that," Sheffield told the magazine. "I will never have friends like that.
"(Bonds) said 'I got guys here, they can get your urine and blood and presribe a vitamin specifically for your blood type and what your body needs.' And that is what I did."
Bonds declined to comment.