Interesting ESPN poll regarding Pete Rose's lifetime ban

[the 'stache]

Thus far over a quarter million people have voted, and more than 80% feel that Pete Rose's lifetime ban should be rescinded. I happen to agree.

What a splash the incoming Baseball Commissioner could make if he overturned it.

I feel that Rose broke the rules. But there's no way I feel that doing so should have meant a lifetime ban. I felt that he should have had a ten year ban, which would have made him wait for Hall induction. I would have even been ok with making it longer. But a lifetime ban? No way. Pete Rose wasn't a criminal. He was a gambling addict. Lifting that ban would be the right thing to do. If I'm an incoming Commissioner, showing that I'm capable of leniency and compassion where it is warranted would be a wonderful way to start off on the right foot.

What do you all think?

[drcy]

Every MLB locker room had a large sign that said if you're caught gambling you'll be banned for life. Couldn't he read?

He's never admitted to the full extent of his betting. That comes first. I believe gambling an addiction, but, as with an addiction, admitting to misdeeds and apologizing for what should be apologized for is a requirement of addressing it. And it should certainly be part of having his ban lifted. His fans don't get to admit and apologize for him. He has to do that himself.

When I see these serial lying PED users who act as if they're Clint Eastwood tough guys, Roger Clemens in particular, I think "A man would tell the truth." Clemens hasn't acted like a man. He's acted like an oversized six year old. Which should give insight into how I consider a so-called 'wronged man' like Rose. If he's continuing to lie and obfuscate, he's continuing to get what he deserves. Baseball's 'homer' fans are classic enablers, and enablers, hurt rather than help addicts.

But, as I said, if and when he finally comes clean, I'd reconsider the issue and might think the ban should be lifted.

All IMO, of course.

[HRBAKER]

Pete was his own worst enemy - he lied and lied for years and showed absolutely no contrition at all. You don't have to be a criminal to receive a lifetime ban from baseball. IMO baseball owes him nothing. I am fine either way - let him back in or keep him out. Also rescinding his ban doesn''t mean he'll ever be voted into the HOF.

[nolemmings]

"Keep Out !!!"

[Econteachert205]

I have huge issues with the hall in general, how players are voted in and the academics who have nothing to do with the game except to keep people out (landis, Kuhn, Bart g, bud). To be honest I would like to see pete get in only because of the type of people it would piss off to watch him ramble through a no doubt unwatchable acceptance speech. The whole hall was poisoned by the 1950's anyway when it got watered down by cronyism.

[brewing]

Originally Posted by Econteachert205

I have huge issues with the hall in general, how players are voted in and the academics who have nothing to do with the game except to keep people out (landis, Kuhn, Bart g, bud). To be honest I would like to see pete get in only because of the type of people it would piss off to watch him ramble through a no doubt unwatchable acceptance speech. The whole hall was poisoned by the 1950's anyway when it got watered down by cronyism.

Couldn't agree more.

Additionally the PED issue adds to the hypocrisy of the Hall. A. Why is it ok managers with inflated win totals and WS titles because of PED get a pass? B. Last I checked using PEDs were no more illegal in MLB as smoking marijuana until the recent past.
I think Rose, Clemens, and Bonds are all narcissistic assholes, but they belong the greats of the game.

[bnorth]

In my opinion Pete should never be allowed in the HOF not even to visit.

[Jim65]

He gambled on baseball knowing full well what the possible punishment was, and lied about it for years, he only admitted gambling to sell a book. I hope his ban is never lifted.

[DHogan]

Originally Posted by Jim65

He gambled on baseball knowing full well what the possible punishment was, and lied about it for years, he only admitted gambling to sell a book. I hope his ban is never lifted.

+1

[brewing]

Why ban him from the HoF too?