Wednesday, October 27, 1999
Rose's agent: Pete was set up
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Pete Rose's agent says NBC reporter Jim Gray misled Rose into agreeing to an interview after the All-Century team ceremony in Atlanta Sunday night.
“He misled us,” Warren Green said. “He told us he was a big Pete Rose supporter, that this interview was a great opportunity, that Pete should do this.”
Gray repeatedly asked Rose why he wouldn't admit betting on baseball, and the interview quickly became contentious.
Gray, addressing NBC's audience before Game 3 of the World Series Tuesday night, issued an apology of sorts.
“After viewing the videotape, I can understand the reaction of many baseball fans.” Gray said. “I thought that it was important to ask Pete Rose if this was the right moment for him to make an apology.
“If in doing so, the interview went on too long and took out some of the joy of the occasion, then I want to say to baseball fans everywhere that I'm very sorry about this.”
Green said Rose will not comment on the controversy until after the World Series.
“We're blown away by the continued support,” Green said, “not only in Cincinnati but everywhere. But it would not be right for Pete to interfere with the World Series. He doesn't want to take away from the game and the players.”
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