Are we seeing a reversal of the usual scenario of the good guy chasing the bad guy?

The media, especially in the sports world, is bombarding the public with Barry Bonds’ pursuit of Hank Aaron’s career home run record.

Two things bother me about the surrounding publicity. One is that the focus on the matter began at least two years ago, and has continued to the moment. Media coverage could intensify with Bonds getting closer to the milestone, even though a couple months could go by before the record is toppled.

The other, more bothersome issue to me, relates to the character of the two ballplayers. Aaron, whose total will be eclipsed, barring the unforeseen, has always been portrayed as a gentleman – respectful and respected, generating no controversy during his long career.

On the other hand, Bonds is known for his surliness, and for being egotistical and uncooperative. Beyond that, in the last few years (which have been his most productive as a home run hitter), he has been strongly linked to steroid use, which would obviously have enhanced his ability to clout those dingers.

It seems some members of the media do not want Bonds to break Aaron’s record because of Bonds’ personality.

Nevertheless, the less-than-endearing traits of Bonds are largely ignored in favor of the media’s hammering away at the numbers game.

Unfortunately, one of the spinoffs coming out of the situation is that bad trying to overcome good is acceptable.

Norm Gellatly, Auburn