I was reading today how Barry Bonds' former personal trainer Greg Anderson is once again refusing to testify against his buddy when the slugger's perjury trial begins next week. And if that's not the definition of a good friend I don't know what is.

Here's a guy who is willing to go to jail not once, but twice, to protect his friend. Without Anderson's testimony, the judge is barring prosecutors from showing jurors key evidence such as positive drug tests alleged to have belonged to Bonds. What that essentially means is without Anderson's testimony, the prosecutors have nothing to convict Bonds of lying before the grand jury several months ago regarding his "alleged" steroid use. 

If Anderson continues to stick with his "mums-the-word" approach, he will likely find himself behind bars once again for contempt of court. If convicted of the contempt charges, Anderson would be imprisoned for the duration of the trial which is expected to last about a month but could be even less without Anderson's damning testimony.

While I'm sure Mr. Bonds has and will continue to pay Anderson for remaining loyal to him throughout the years, I'd be curious to know exactly how much hush money he's going to ultimately receive. I would wager my car the number reaches well into the seven-figure category, but I also know that there would likely be about the same number of people who would have gone all Benedict Arnold on Bonds by now as well. Many would have caved under the pressure of it all but to his credit, Anderson has remained tight lipped throughout and is finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Soon, all of this can be put in the rear view and he can start spending his time spending the money he's earned for remaining true to his friend.

I just wonder if those payments from Bonds to Anderson be continuous and if they'll put a strain on their friendship? If not, I wonder how long it will take for Anderson to start the blackmail process when the payments cease? If I was Bonds I'd plan on continuing the payment plan right up until the day I die or that friendship born in needles and creams will die a quick death.