6 of 17

Write now Article Tools

The question of morality is what always separates Pete Rose from his rightful place in the Hall of Fame. Gambling is legal, steroids WERE legal, and America has always given a certain, albeit loosely defined, set of parameter's for its athletes to operate under. For example, Ty Cobb was a miserable bigot who was widely hated. So why did they draw the line in the sand for Pete Rose? Theories abound, one of them being the depth of his gambling tarnished the game. People were sure he 'threw' games. I love to laugh at the idea of 'Charlie Hustle' throwing games. One need only look back on footage of a certain All-Star game, ALL STAR GAME, when Pete Rose ran over the catcher to score a run. He wanted to win. Period. His one failing, and the same thing that will keep Mark McGwire out of the Hall, is owning up. Both Pete and Mark denied for too long. America has always loved when their heroes were flawed, but weren't above telling the truth and coming clean. No one cares that much that he gambled. Whoop dee doo, gambling is the biggest money maker in pro sports. He's paying for being too long in denial. Now that he's finally admitted his guilt, it's only a matter of time before the baseball writer's fogive him and anoint him his rightful spot in the Hall of Fame.

Learn more about this author, Jason Hamilton.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Deciding whether Pete Rose should be in the hall of fame?
We want to hear your view. Write now!