Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
May 02, 2008
Clemens and Rose

Via the Projo SoxBlog, a comparison of Pete Rose and Roger Clemens:

"(Clemens) is Pete Rose to a T,'' Paul Janszen said Thursday. Janszen was Rose's close friend, workout partner and senior bobo, until Rose stiffed him on some money he owed Janszen . Janszen spilled his knowledge to John Dowd, who made his case with it.

"Certain athletes become larger than the game in the fans eyes, and in their own eyes,'' said Janszen . "(Rose) was always above it all. He thought no one would ever dare to question him. It's the same mentality Clemens is (showing) in the Congressional hearings and on 60 Minutes.''

In many ways, Janszen was to Rose who Brian McNamee was to Clemens. Each was an ordinary guy who befriended, enabled and bobo-ed a superstar player. Each was star-struck at first, then fiercely loyal. "I felt an obligation to protect Pete, and his image,'' Janszen said.

Eventually, each turned on his famous friend. Janszen wanted his money, then did what he felt was right; McNamee wanted to stay out of prison.

"It's not just athletes,'' Janszen said. "It's politicians, celebrities. People who think they're bigger than the institution. "When competition becomes obsessive, when nothing matters (but) winning, not even integrity or honesty, that gets you in the pickle those guys are in.''


Posted by David Pinto at 09:36 AM | Cheating | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Protect Rose's image? If that was his intent he should have advised Rose to sporting the "Moe" from the 3 Stooges haircut.

Posted by: ryan at May 2, 2008 01:14 PM

McNamee is going to get his money... Book deals, ESPN spots, journalistic fellatio, and he can even sue for defamation in civil court.

I think that if they banned Pete Rose for life, then Clemens deserves the same fate. You have engaged in a varied of acts which have stained the game, and now you must live with the consequences of those acts.

Posted by: Andrew at May 2, 2008 01:50 PM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?