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Counter Points is written by WVXU Senior Political Analyst Howard Wilkinson. In it, he shares insights on political news on the local, state and national level that impacts the 2020 election. Counter Points is delivered once a week on Wednesdays and will cease publication soon after the November election is decided.

Pete Rose Renews Reinstatement Request In Wake Of Astros Scandal

pete rose
John Minchillo
/
AP
Pete Rose stands for pictures during the dedication of his statue outside Great American Ballpark on June 17, 2017, in Cincinnati.

Pete Rose is once again asking to be reinstated, a move necessary to be considered for Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame. The former Reds player is petitioning baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to have his name taken off the ineligible list.

The request, first obtained by ESPN, states it's being made in light of recent "disproportionate" decisions for other rules violations. In other words, the Houston Astros cheating scandal.

"...(Rose) advances the new argument that his lifetime ban is disproportionate relative to other punishments imposed for serious violations that also undermined the integrity of the game," the petition states. "Mr. Rose requests that Commissioner Manfred consider this petition in light of recent rule violations by club officials, managers, and players who have severely impugned the integrity of the game of baseball."

Rose and his attorney also seek an in-person meeting with Manfred.

Rose was banned from entering the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball games.

The petition further argues Rose's actions have never been proven to have influenced other players or the outcomes of games, hinting that in light of the recent sign-stealing scandal, "Mr. Rose's ongoing punishment is no longer justifiable as a proportional response to his transgressions."

The commissioner denied Rose's most recent request for reinstatement in 2015. Rose was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2016.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.