puros_bran":okp6zuw1 said:
If Cobb, Speaker, Anson, Comisky, Waner, Stengal, Perry, and a list so long I can't list them all without googling up "Cheats, drunks, and Gamblers in the HOF" are in the HOF, then Pete deserves to be there.
You can't get all high and righteous on Pete and allow those that were far worse than him to remain in... Because that is a lie, just like Pete told. Either shush up and let Pete in or 'do the right thing' and take those guys out, including removing their names from baseball fields. As it stands it is complete and utter hypocrisy.
Sanctity of the game my arse.
As far as the 'fixing the game' bullcrap.. Over the four year period he was investigated I think there's 5 games in total that there is no evidence that he bet on the Reds to win. Hardly the sinister fix you are portraying.
PB, if I were a libby, I would certainly have to insist, that ALL professional athletes found guilty of this offense, be sent to rehab on the MLB, NFL, and NBA's dime, since compulsive gambling is classified as a "disorder," by the Mayo Clinic. It supposedly stimulates the brains reward system, similar to alcohol or drugs.
Now that drugs are part of the discussion, I suppose they could pay for steroid rehab as well.
Then, if said athlete doesn't relapse any more than single digits, we can just chalk the whole thing up to their "disease," which they finally beat.
Once they go into double digits though, we should step back and reevaluate the situation, and see if we can figure out another angle, to give them a few more chances.
Like Michael stated, they are entertainers, and the American public certainly like their entertainment. It's the only industry that never takes a hard financial hit, whether there is a recession, or even a depression.
At least he is still getting to put his name to some product. As much of a gamble as health insurance is, you would think BCBS would have him front and center.
