Report of Bonds? failed test may hinder negotiations

News of the failed test, reported Thursday in the Daily News, is the latest in a long list of allegations surrounding the slugger, who will face more questions this season about whether he used performance-enhancing drugs in his pursuit of Hank Aaron?s home run record.

According to the report, Bonds failed an amphetamines test in 2006, then blamed it on a teammate. The New York City newspaper reported that when first informed of the positive result, Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken from utilityman Mark Sweeney?s locker.

Just when everybody thought the Giants were getting along well for a change.

Bonds is set to begin his 15th season with the Giants only 22 home runs shy of passing Aaron?s career record of 755. He and San Francisco reached a preliminary agreement on a $16 million, one-year contract Dec. 7, the final day of baseball?s winter meetings. But the seven-time NL MVP still hasn?t signed the deal or taken the mandatory physical that is part of the process.

The sides have been working to finalize complicated language in the contract that concerns the left fielder?s compliance with team rules, as well as what would happen if he were to be indicted or have other legal troubles.

?Last night was the first time we heard of this recent accusation against Barry Bonds,? the Giants said in a statement. ?Under Major League Baseball?s collective bargaining agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association, clubs are not notified after a player receives a first positive test for amphetamines.

?The San Francisco Giants are strongly opposed to the use of performance-enhancing substances, including stimulants, by major league players.?