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To: Zack Nguyen
Let me make my point again. I didn't do it well the last time.

Let's begin with the assumption that Pete (or any manager) should NOT be betting on games his team is in. Then let's assume that they shouldn't bet on baseball in general (but I see that as a lesser offense.) I really have trouble saying he shouldn't bet on other sports, in general, because I don't see how that impacts on baseball for someone to bet on horses or football.

The issue is to keep games honest and preserve the integrity of the competition. To bet against his own team would mean that the manager, who has direct influence on the outcome, would make decisions that would cause his team to lose. To bet FOR his team to win, would mean that the manager would make decisions designed to ensure his team would win.....which is what everyone wants to happen in the first place.

Given that we'd prefer they not bet at all, the lesser of the evils is for a manager to bet IN FAVOR of his own team.

You don't have to accept my logic. It's just that I think it has a clear validity to it.
131 posted on 08/12/2003 12:05:19 PM PDT by xzins
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To: xzins
I really have trouble saying he shouldn't bet on other sports, in general, because I don't see how that impacts on baseball for someone to bet on horses or football.

But it is wrong, and illegal. Sports betting can contribute to a decline in integrity of that particular sport. If I work for Intel and I steal a Hewlett Packard from a store, I doubt that Intel would allow me to continue to work from jail. I would simply ask Pete not to break the law. Is that so difficult?

To bet FOR his team to win, would mean that the manager would make decisions designed to ensure his team would win.....which is what everyone wants to happen in the first place.

Again, betting for your team allows a snake into the clubhouse. What if the mob threatens Pete or a player? What if the mob forces Pete to give up inside info on how a player is feeling, etc.? What if Pete brings a good pitcher back too early in order to gamble his season and/or career on one game?

The best solution here is not to allow gambling on anything at all. That is MLB's conclusion. Rose knew it, broke it flagrantly, and has refused to admit it or show any contriteness.

132 posted on 08/12/2003 12:12:54 PM PDT by Zack Nguyen
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