Knight, longtime Rose teammate, knew the truth about gambling

<p>Ray Knight knows former teammate Pete Rose bet on baseball, a belief hes held for many years, and he still thinks baseballs all-time hit leader deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.</p><p>In an interview with The Albany Herald, Knight blamed Roses problems on an addiction to gambling. Rose took every opportunity to wager money on events during their five years together with the Cincinnati Reds, according to Knight.</p><p>If the team was in San Diego, Rose went to the dog races, and in Los Angeles, it was horse racing at Delmar. The betting continued during the offseason, when Rose would have six or seven televisions at his home, all tuned to NBA games.</p><p>When there was a pool or a betting pool or whatever he would be the one getting it together, collecting the money, Knight said. So why should he not bet on baseball, it was something hed been doing his whole life? I think it was an absolute sickness with him. So we just know Pete well enough to know it was something he did all the time.</p><p>Knight said that Rose never confessed to him personally that he bet on baseball, but knew through other friends.</p><p>I knew all along that he had bet on baseball, Knight said. I just knew enough people close to him, and I had had dinner with him three or four times over the last six or seven years, and he never told people around him that he had never bet on baseball.</p><p>I think the biggest question was whether or not he bet against his team.</p><p>Knight believes Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame but not back on the field as a manager or coach, since Rose deserves some punishment for his actions. Since Roses book detailing his gambling came out, Knight hasnt spoken to his former teammate, but when he does, he knows what hell say.</p><p>I would just tell him that Im glad that he came out, that he confessed, I wish he had done it earlier, Knight said. I love Pete. I love being with him, I love being in his company, hes effervescent, hes always happy and positive, he makes me laugh.</p><p>But you know, I just hope that it works out that he gets in the Hall of Fame and that somewhere and sometime he comes to peace with it himself. And I dont know that he ever will.</p><p>Information from: The Albany Herald</p>