Cincinnati Reds: Pete Rose cannot stop himself

On Wednesday, former Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose celebrated his 80th birthday. This should have been a time to honor the major league Hit King, to revel in his past glory and to remember his impressive accomplishments. At least, that is what the day should have been.

Instead, that day turned into a remembrance of one of the more embarrassing moments in the recent history of the game. Rose announced on a conference call that he would be providing exclusive sports gambling picks for a subscription fee.

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose keeps tarnishing legacy

Back in 1989, allegations had surfaced that Rose had been betting on baseball while managing the Reds. He was handed a lifetime suspension in August, with the ability to apply for reinstatement after a year. The belief was that A. Bartlett Giamatti, then commissioner of baseball, had provided that sentence to make the allegations go away, and Rose would eventually be reinstated. However, Giamatti passed within a few days, leaving his true intentions unknown.

For years, Rose denied the allegations that he bet on baseball. Then he came out with a book essentially admitting that everything was true, that he had wagered on the Reds to win when he was managing. Despite breaking the cardinal rule of baseball, he has continued his attempts to be reinstated, failing at every turn.

Rose has used his infamy as a way to generate money. He signs autographs at a Las Vegas casino, and is willing to add an admission of guilt to his signature. Even though the league has eased some restrictions, such as allowing the Reds to honor his career, these actions do not help his cause as he tries desperately to be reinstated so he can become eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Chances are, Rose would have a better chance of having his reinstatement if he would refrain from such actions. The problem is that, as he attempts to be reinstated, his desire to make as much money as possible from his infamy gets in the way. his latest venture is proof that he just cannot stop himself.

Pete Rose celebrated his 80th birthday by announcing that he was selling gambling tips for a subscription fee. The Cincinnati Reds legend cannot stop himself from further tarnishing his legacy.