Bonds given extension to May 4 in appeal

SAN FRANCISCO – Barry Bonds has been given an extension until May 4 to file written arguments in his appeal to overturn his obstruction of justice conviction.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday granted a second extension request by Bonds' lawyers, which had been filed Friday. The original deadline had been March 21 before the court granted an extension last month to April 20

Under the new schedule, the government will have until June 4 to respond. After that, Bonds' lawyers will have another 14 days to file a reply brief if they so choose.

Dennis Riordan, Bonds' appeals lawyer, said in a filing to the court that his office could not meet the April 20 deadline because of several other cases in which it was involved.

Bonds' appeal will be randomly assigned to a three-judge panel that will hear oral arguments this year. A decision is not likely until 2013 at the earliest.

The home run king was sentenced Dec. 16 by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston for his April conviction on a charge of giving an evasive answer to a federal grand jury in 2003 that was investigating steroids distribution.

The seven-time NL MVP was sentenced to 30 days of home confinement, two years of probation, 250 hours of community service in youth-related activities and a $4,000 fine.