Manfred’s Decision: Rose and Jackson Bans Lifted
Almost eight months following Pete Rose’s passing, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred officially removed the hit king from the league’s list of permanently ineligible players on Tuesday.
During an inquiry into gambling accusations against Rose, the former Cincinnati Reds manager willingly accepted a place on the list in August 1989.
Manfred’s groundbreaking announcement paves the way for Rose’s potential induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Alongside this significant reversal, MLB also rescinded the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and several other deceased players.
Back in 1919, Jackson and seven teammates faced a lifetime ban from professional baseball over their alleged involvement in the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal. Despite being acquitted of corruption charges, all eight ex-White Sox players were blacklisted for purportedly rigging the World Series that year.
Initially, Jackson confessed but later denied any knowledge of the match-fixing scheme, claiming he was coerced before his passing.
In a letter to attorney Jeffrey Lenkov, Manfred stated, “An individual who is no longer alive cannot pose a threat to the game’s integrity.”
HOF Committee to Deliberate
A thorough investigation into Rose’s gambling revealed he placed 52 bets on Reds games while managing the team. Over a decade later, he admitted to betting on the Reds but not for them to lose.
Following Rose’s demise, an illegal bookie alleged that Rose bet through him, prompting MLB to reconsider its stance. This shift allows Rose and others to be evaluated by the Hall of Fame’s Historical Overview Committee.
Rose’s record-breaking 4,256 career hits solidify his place in baseball history.
Mizzou to Launch Sports Betting in December
When the Kansas City Chiefs host the Texans this December, fans at Arrowhead Stadium may be able to bet on a Patrick Mahomes rushing touchdown prop.
Missouri Gaming Commission announced the opening of sportsbook license applications, with a legal betting market launch no later than December 1, coinciding with the Chiefs’ game. The state will offer online and retail licenses, with mobile licenses costing $500,000.
MGC can grant up to 14 online sports betting licenses and 19+ retail licenses, with applications due by July 15. The Chiefs are favored to win the AFC, aiming to reach a fourth consecutive Super Bowl.
