Like LeBron James' influence on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were the No. 2 road draw in the NBA, Bonds is a one-man money-making machine, and not just for San Fran. Figuring a team as crappy as the Giants should be averaging 10,000 less fans per road game, Bonds is single-handedly responsible for approximately 800,000 extra tickets sold, generating about $15 million extra in gate, assuming an average ticket price of just under $20. Food, drink and souvenirs must also be factored in.

Not bad for a guy who may be the least-admired superstar in modern sports history. Recently, Bonds was asked about Roger Clemens' special travel arrangement with the Houston Astros, whom he does not accompany to road games when he's not scheduled to start.

"I ain't white. What world are you living in? I live in reality. They'd never let a black man get away with that.''

An ironic position, considering Bonds enjoys some of the most special treatments in all of team sports. Rick Reilly famously documented the 24-and-1 situation in the 2001 Giants clubhouse. Only one skipped team pictures. Only one had his own p.r. guy. Only one didn't ride the team bus. And he asks us what world we're living in?

And that's why those extra 10,000 fans per game aren't sporting Bonds jerseys or cheering him on. Michael Jordan was universally appreciated. Wayne Gretzky was universally beloved. Bonds is respected as a superhuman talent — in 2002, I wrote that Bonds "took decades of universally accepted baseball strategy and turned it on its head" — but he almost makes it impossible to like him. It's only a matter of time before he makes headlines for pulling a prima donna act during this year's All-Star festivities. Last year, he refused to take part in the Home Run Derby. When asked for an explanation, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Because I'm a grown man and I don't have to do it." Too bad he doesn't always act like it.

Other Sports Links:

• Syracuse Lacrosse One Win From 22nd Straight Final Four — The "Orange" — ugh, I hate saying that — defeat Albany to advance to Sunday's national quarterfinal against Georgetown.

• Maxim Online's Seventh-Inning Scratch — I usually don't enjoy sports columns that are entirely tongue-in-cheek, but there are a few witty gems in here, highlighted by Larry Dobrow's analysis of the Mets' manager: "If, as prophesized, the meek are to inherit the earth, then Art Howe shall one day be our cosmic overlord."

• The Toughest Job in Town — A New York Post feature on the crucible known as managing/coaching a New York sports team. In the last couple of years, only Joe Torre and Herman Edwards have kept their jobs. Jim Fassel, Bobby Valentine, Don Chaney, Byron Scott, Kevin Constantine, Bryan Trottier, Peter Laviolette, Mike Jarvis — all got whacked. Great stuff at the end, where Steve Serby lists five coaches who thrived in New York and five who crumbled.

• Squiggy Is in the House: Laverne and Shirley Star Now Mariners Scout — What's next? Mr. Bentley as offensive coordinator of the Seahawks? (Thanks, Art)