Bonds, the Bucs, American Idol, blind dates and more

	From left: Barry Bonds, Taylor Hicks and Joakim Noah have made news lately. Brad Mangin/SI, Courtesy of Fox, John Biever/SI
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What do you think about Barry Bonds? Is it wrong for people to use artificial means to inflate their stats and get attention even if it's not against the rules?
-- Ace, Cleveland

I don't think there is anything wrong with using artificial means to inflate my stats and get attention. Oh ... wait ... you're talking about steroids ... my bad.

The only thing scarier than the side effects of steroids is Barry Bonds dressed as Paula Abdul. But using steroids does more than increase man cleavage. Using anabolic steroids as a means of increasing your performance level is not only wrong but also dangerous to a person's well being. Sure, they may increase lean muscle mass and help a person's ability to train and perform, but they also mask many side effects and long-term effects.

Bonds was a Hall of Famer before his mysterious "growth spurt" and alleged steroid use, but now his body is rapidly deteriorating, as evidenced by his chronic knee and elbow injuries. All we can do is speculate as to why and how this rapid decline in his physical health has taken place. Bottom line: Drugs will never beat hard work in the long run.

How do you feel about your school's rival, the Florida Gators, winning the national championship in hoops?
-- Jason, Washington

Honestly, I am happy for Billy Donovan and his young Gators. While I will always bleed garnet and gold, it's good to see a team from my home state doing well. What's really scary is the team's youth. Florida is only going to improve in the upcoming years, so don't dismiss the possibility of a repeat appearance in next year's Final Four.

On rivalry days, whom do you dislike more, Florida or Miami, and why?
-- Chris, Tampa

I'm originally from Miami, so The U and I have some history. Growing up a Hurricane, my dad taught me that I am allowed to cheer for three teams: the Seminoles, the Hurricanes and whoever plays the Gators.

Why our in-state rivalry against the other Florida school is so competitive, I still don't know. Maybe it was the way Steve Spurrier threw his visor, maybe it was that incessant rip-off of the theme music from Jaws, or maybe it has to do with the fact that Florida didn't accept my application for admission despite my stellar academic record. You could say I am bitter, but that would be a stretch. Our rivalry with the Gators is stronger, simply because we play them on a consistent basis and it's the college equivalent of the state championship.

Everyone knows that Florida State is your favorite collegiate sports interest, but what is your favorite professional football team? Also, who do you think will win American Idol?
-- David C. Raines, Colorado Springs