I'm a die hard Pete Rose, and the Big Red Machine fan. In this country, I was always taught you're innocent, until proven guilty! It seems like a people have already made their minds up that Rose is guilty.
I lived in and around Cincinnati from 1968 until 2006. HUGE Big Red Machine fan. Started out at old Crosley Field. At least once a year took a half day for a business man's special. could usually get seats behind home plate not too far from front row. Two or three guys, some Hudepohl - "Get Moody with Hoody" was the call from the guy selling beer.
Could see rifle Arm Bench throw out someone @ second base trying to steal, a fool to try most of the time. Big Dog, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, Davy Concepcion, Pete, Geronimo & others in the outfield. Pete was amazing, Charlie Hustle from the West Side and went to Western Hills HS. GREAT time back then with Sparky driving the Big Red Machine.
But I truly believe he lied, he bet on baseball and although he will forever be the Hit King, he was guilty of the betting for sure. And based on local comments, quite probably with the girl, but he was so much a gambler, thought he'd never get caught.
Have had other heroes eventually disappoint me because of human failures... sad