Time for me to add my two cents worth to the Pete Rose - Baseball Hall of Fame controversy. Good character is not a pre-requisite for induction into the Hall of Fame. Ty Cobb proves that.
However, there is one absolute - if a player bets on baseball, he is out of baseball. Forever. No Ifs, Ands, or, Buts. No Hall of Fame. Pete Rose bet on baseball while he was managing the Reds. That's that. He's gone.
Now there is a new hue and cry - "let Pete in the Hall." Selig, the spineless wonder, is considering caving in to public opinion. After all, "we're a Nation that forgives."
Well, wait just a damn minute. Pete Rose knew the consequences of betting, However, he thought he was above it all. And he's never admitted that he bet on baseball.
Guess what - actions begat consequences. Betting can destroy baseball - re: the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal. So, If a player bets, they are gone. For good.
Can't we ever stick to what's right instead of being wimpy nation of spineless principles?
By the way, check out Rob Neyer's column - he really nails the whole thing.
9:44:48 PM 
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