Author Jeff Pearlman, known for his books about notable athletes, including Barry Bonds and Brett Favre, shares a strong distaste for former Major League Baseball star Pete Rose.
Despite believing Rose should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Pearlman describes him as “the grossest human being on the planet,” pointing to Rose’s history of gambling and flawed character.
Jeff Pearlman: ‘Pete Rose is the grossest human being on the planet’ https://t.co/H1Hdi8bHrg pic.twitter.com/1XqKfP2zyn
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 15, 2024
While Rose holds the all-time MLB record for hits, he was banned from the sport due to his involvement in gambling. Pearlman criticizes Rose’s behavior but also highlights baseball’s increasing acceptance of gambling.
He argues that if the sport embraces gambling, it must also accept Rose into the Hall of Fame, as condemning the gambler while promoting gambling is contradictory.
MLB may need to reconcile its stance on gambling with the growing integration of gambling partnerships, which could impact future Hall of Fame inductions.
Pearlman’s critique raises ethical questions about Hall of Fame eligibility and prompts a reconsideration of how controversial figures in baseball history are addressed.
Fans reacted as follows:
Come on @jeffpearlman he’s not even the grossest baseball player. Are you familiar with Lenny Dykstra?
— Homer J. Fong (@A2K_OC) April 15, 2024
Has Jeff Pearlman not heard of Jim Rivera?
— Joe Lawson (@DirtFiction) April 15, 2024
Well OJ is dead now…….
— Mr Perfect (@perfecthennig) April 15, 2024
I disagree. pic.twitter.com/jxEJ62bO8h
— PaulCat (@PaulCat1969) April 15, 2024
No Trump
— Scott Rank (@duffer520) April 16, 2024
