MLB commissioner has no sympathy for Reds legend and gambler Pete Rose
Despite playing more games and getting more hits than anyone else in history, Pete Rose's name continues to draw negative reactions at its very mention.
The former Cincinnati Reds star was integral to his team's dynastic World Series wins in the late 1970s. He is widely regarded as the best player to ever play in the MLB.
However, Rose was discovered to be placing high-stakes sports bets on games involving himself. Although the league has recently allowed players to promote sports betting platforms, betting on games is still strictly prohibited by MLB policy.
In a recent live interview with "The Show" (hosted by baseball analysts Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman), MLB commissioner Rob Manfred had some choice words for Pete Rose.
"I 100% believe that if you bet on baseball, you should be banned for life."
Manfred was very clear, claiming that he takes the rules "quite literally."
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred discussed whether Pete Rose should be reinstated to baseball and what it means his Hall of Fame chances with @JonHeyman and @Joelsherman1 during a live The Show taping at The Ainsworth NYC #Cadillac #sponsored https://t.co/VPpEbLzWku
"MLB commissioner Rob Manfred discussed whether Pete Rose should be reinstated to baseball and what it means his Hall of Fame chances with @JonHeyman and @JoelSherman1 during a live The Show taping at The Ainsworth NYC" - New York Porch Sports
Manfred did, however, state that he was unsure if players like Rose should also be made permanently ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose wrote to Manfred personally last year to request that he be taken off the list. So far, there is no indication that the league will alter its policy.
Pete Rose's story serves as a warning to others
Despite clearly being one of the top hitters ever, Rose's betting has taken a massive toll on his legacy. It was discovered that he was placing up to $10,000 per day on various bets whilst managing the Cincinnati Reds in the mid-1980s.
Commissioner Bart Giamatti permanently bans Pete Rose from baseball for his alleged gambling on major league games, August 24, 1989. https://t.co/0oPonlW2un
"Commissioner Bart Giamatti permanently bans Pete Rose from baseball for his alleged gambling on major league games, August 24, 1989." - Baseball in Pics
After an investigation, Rose accepted permanent ineligibility in 1989. This puts him with former Toronto Blue Jays star Roberto Alomar as the only two players to be banned forever from conducting official business in the MLB.
Despite being the best, Rose's name is unlikely to be enshrined in Cooperstown. Similar to former New York Yankees icon Alex Rodriguez, Rose allowed personal indescrections to permantently scar his reputation and legacy for years to come.