Key Points:

• President Trump announced plans to posthumously pardon baseball great Pete Rose.
• Rose was banned from Major League Baseball for betting on games while managing and playing for the Cincinnati Reds.
• Discussions are ongoing about a petition to have Rose removed from MLB's ineligible list, which could impact his chances for Hall of Fame induction.

President Donald Trump has stated that he will issue a "complete PARDON of Pete Rose," the legendary baseball player known for being the all-time hits leader before facing a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball (MLB) for betting on games. The announcement came via his Truth Social platform and aims to clear Rose's name posthumously, as Rose passed away last September at the age of 83. Trump emphasized that Rose "shouldn't have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING," although he did not specify what the pardon would cover, as Rose was not convicted of a crime related to his gambling.

Rose’s banning from MLB occurred in 1989 after an investigation revealed that he placed numerous bets on his team while managing, and in 1991, the Hall of Fame adopted a rule preventing anyone on the permanently ineligible list from being considered for induction. With the recent announcement of Trump's pardon, discussions about Rose's potential reinstatement have also surfaced. According to reports, CBS News has revealed that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is deliberating on a petition to have Rose posthumously removed from the ineligible list, a move sought by his family and his former lawyer, Jeffrey Lenkov.

The petition aims to set the stage for Rose's induction into the Hall of Fame, a long-desired goal of the late player. In meetings with MLB officials, Lenkov expressed optimism regarding the possibility of Rose being honored among the sport's greats, stating that “it is now time to turn the page on Pete Rose's legacy in baseball.” While the issue remains complex due to Rose's controversial history, Trump's vocal support and the ongoing discussions signify a potential shift in how Rose's legacy may be perceived moving forward.

This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding sports ethics and the possibility of redemption in the world of competitive sports, as the HuffPost reported on the reinstatement petition filed early this year.