Alex Rodriguez has received the highest non-gambling suspension in Major League Baseball history—211 games—for his connection to the Biogenesis clinic in Florida. Pete Rose has received the longest suspension in MLB history—life. On Tuesday, Rose had advice for the Rodriguez and the other suspended players, according to USA TODAY Sports.
"We have to get these people to understand that if you make mistakes, people will forgive you if you come forward," Rose said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. "Don't do like I did. Don't do like (Ryan) Braun did. Don't do like A-Rod did.
"I wish I had come forward a long time ago. Some guys came forward, like [Jason] Giambi, like [Andy] Pettitte. And they went on with their lives. They're playing and they're making good money, and there's no shadow upon them right now."
Rose’s lifetime suspended was handed down in 1989.The MLB all-time hits leader gambled on games during his years as a manager for the Cincinnati Reds in 1987 to 1988.
He has been friends with A-Rod for a few years.
"He's like the rest of us," Rose said. "He's made some major mistakes and he's trying to go on with his life. He's in a tough position, I think, with this appeal and with the lawyers telling him to do this, and do that."
The former Red said he comprehends why Rodriguez is appealing and that there’s no issue with him being on the field during the appeals process.
"It sounds to me like he thinks he got a lot more than Ryan Braun, and basically he might have done the same thing," Rose said. "Baseball and the players association have rules. If you stay within the rules -- which say that you can play while you're appealing -- I don't see what anyone would be in arms about.
He added, “I hope he has a good ending of the season, just for his sake – just for peace of mind for him."
Rodriguez was not the only player on which Rose focused. He discussed Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta and and Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz. Both are on teams that could be headed to the postseason and Rose believes they should be able to participate in the playoffs once their 50-game suspensions are over.
"If you get a three-month suspension for driving while you're intoxicated, you can drive at three months and one day," Rose said. "If they're suspended 50 days, and they do their 50 days, they should be able to play on their 51st day. If they didn't want them to play, they should've given them 65 days."
