After just under a week of hope for baseball fans, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has dismissed rumors that he was considering readmitting Pete Rose to the game, opening the way for his election to the Hall of Fame. Rose was banned way back in 1989 by Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti for betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, and thus this season marks the 20th anniversary of Rose's exclusion from the game.
It is timely that such a report surfaced just now, as many parallels can be drawn to the current reinstatement efforts of one Michael Vick in the National Football League. Vick was banned from the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2007 for being involved in funding a dogfighting ring in Virginia. For the crime, Vick was ultimately sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. Yet here we are two years later, with Roger Goodell reinstating Vick to the league conditionally, following an extra 5 game suspension.
While the career situations might be different, with Vick still playing and trying to earn a livelihood from within the game vs. Rose simply looking for admission to the Hall of Fame, the point I'm trying to make here is a far more concerning one. Selig's denial to reinstate Rose simply reinforces Major League Baseball's belief that they, somehow, are above the law.
Vick Reinstatement & Goodell Actions
Roger Goodell, agree with him or not, has taken clear and definitive actions towards those that should embarrass the NFL or, worse, consider themselves above the law. Michael Vick was the highest profile of those with his 23-month sentencing, but others falling under this crusade of Goodell's include Adam "Pacman" Jones and a few Minnesota Vikings players for a rather unfortunate boating incident. The NFL has also been very adamant in policing its substance abuse policies, just ask Ricky or Jimmy Williams.
While some of these guys (Pacman) never should have faced league action in the first-place, you have to partially respect Goodell for his hard-line stance and desire to uphold a standard in the NFL that activities that embarrass the league will not be tolerated. I don't necessarily agree with the "NFL employment is a privilege not a right" mentality in placing a pro sports career on a pedestal over any other jobs, but I do understand that "conduct detrimental to the team" isn't a concept that only exists in sports. Try getting arrested and see how your employer responds.
MLB: Laughing in Law's Face
Now consider the issue of Pete Rose. For 20 years people have wondered when this man would finally be readmitted to the game. Rose himself has made two separate reinstatement requests, both ignored (first by Fay Vincent in 1992 and the latter by Selig in 1996). Most incredible is the fact that Rose has nothing to gain by reinstatement other than potentially managing again if he has such a desire, which is honestly in no way negative for baseball, and the respect of a Hall of Fame spot. Certainly, therefore, it's not a money thing.
However, now also consider baseball's soft stance, rather, lack of a stance on the steroid issue. A topic essentially brushed quietly under the rug by the league for years until Congress finally threatened action (not necessary really, but that's for anothing topic), steroids have become the hot-button issue for high-profile players in the league. It is important to point out that most steroids and designer drugs are inherently illegally obtained, or legally obtained but in supplements that are clearly defined by MLB as being outlawed. Again, however, the hyperactive banning of supplements by sports leagues/olympics/world organizations of sport is also not the issue here. Baseball has established a clear precedent in brushing steroids under the rug for so long that it does not care about the law of the land. Penalizing for steroids was never given a thought.
On the opposite side again is Rose, who remains banned from the game for gambling while managing the Reds, a violation of MLB Rule 21, "Misconduct." While there is certainly something novel, traditional, and honorable in upholding the integrity of the game at all costs ("Shoeless" Joe Jackson and those who threw the 1919 World Series still also remain on the MLB ineligible list for their gambling-related offenses), baseball's unwillingness to act on steroids negates any honor that could be maintained. What remains is the simple fact that a federal felon gets a 2nd chance in the NFL, but an insider gambler gets a lifetime ban, and certainly no more chances. The MLB puts its rules, bylaws, and interests above those of the country in doling out punishment.
Impact
One has to say that it is the fans who want to see Pete in the Hall when they visit Cooperstown currently hurting the most. Stories of his great play have to be passed down instead of being permanently enshrined in the heritage of the sport for all to see and hear. That the fans are hurt/upset most is no surprise really, given that they were also the ones alienated by MLB's handling of the steroid issue as well, though in the case of steroids the reaction was more anger than disappointment.
It is clear that in an economic downturn, the MLB will need to turn to its fans to prevent a potentially catastrophic decline in the future. 1-2% declines in attendance or renevue might not be warning signs now, but lack of attendance growth or revenue growth in subsequent seasons could be. MLB would be wise to make sure the fans are getting what they want instead of selective upholding of an integrity that was already lost when the Steroid Era began.
