Steroid players - anyone else share this sentiment?

[andycummings65]

Maybe if we had an OJ Simpson card, I wouldnt use it; otherwise, [b:a57bd0beff]I dont care[/b:a57bd0beff]. :roll:
I'm playing a [b:a57bd0beff]GAME[/b:a57bd0beff], not trying to make some kind of statement by my team construction. (unless it's "hey, i still don't know what I'm doing" :D )

And I hope McGwire, Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro and Bagwell get in the Hall of Fame too........

[The Last Druid]

I want Pete Rose and Joe Jackson there too. Can't imagine Rose would have bet against his own team. Besides, I think that there is a much higher incidence of sociopathy and sharp business practices amongst the owners than there is with the players. Then and now.

[PotKettleBlack]

[quote:b29a900432="Petrosian"]I want Pete Rose and Joe Jackson there too. Can't imagine Rose would have bet against his own team. Besides, I think that there is a much higher incidence of sociopathy and sharp business practices amongst the owners than there is with the players. Then and now.[/quote:b29a900432]

I hear this argument that Rose would never bet against his own team. That is not the issue, nor should it confuse anyone.

First, consider Pete betting on the Reds. Does he bet on them to win every game? Or does he bet on them to win some games and then, as a gentleman with respect for the game, not bet on them in games where he does not think a victory to be likely? If you believe the latter, as I do, that Pete Rose tipped gamblers and bookies to the outcome of his games based on the inside information he possessed. If you need the underlying logic of that position spelled out, please say so and I will elucidate.

Further, there is the contact with a class of people (bookies and gamblers) who subverted the game. Say Rose went on a losing streak. Maybe his integrity comes into question as he might be asked to shave points or subvert his team. Before you point to his sterling character, remember that Pete Rose has always been about Pete Rose. I'm not saying that's right or wrong, just something to keep in mind. So, if anyone ever asked him about the game in a gambling context, or asked him to do something in a game context, he hurt the integrity of the game. Without ever betting against his own team.

That said, I'd put him in the Hall, but his plaque would make clear mention of his propensity to bet on ball while playing and managing.