San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds has resorted to blaming the media for part of his current troubles - the part in which he has been accused of using steroids.

Blaming the media is a strategy high-profile people oftentimes use to try to deflect attention from whatever issue is dogging them. Hopefully, people will recognize what Bonds is trying to accomplish by his criticism of the media - avoiding personal responsibility for the problem that is causing him misery.

"You finally brought me and my family down . . . so now go pick a different person," he told reporters at the Giants' spring training camp.

"You guys wanted to hurt me bad enough; you finally got me," he added.

No doubt Bonds is troubled by the knee problems that have necessitated two operations since January. But it is those knee problems that are keeping him off the practice field and that will limit his play in the coming season - if he plays at all. It's not what the reporters have written or will write in the months ahead.

Bonds, who is third in career home runs and a seven-time National League Most Valuable Player, ought to be able to endure news coverage and commentaries regarding his career. The people who buy the game tickets that help pay his salary expect coverage of the downside of professional careers as well as routine and record-setting performances.

There's no justification for a pity party for Bonds at this time - and, deep down, he knows it.