Pete Rose, Allen Iverson give Philadelphians two more reasons to mourn

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Philadelphia is in mourning, again. And to be honest, still. They love mourning, especially when it comes to their sporting idols.

First, Allen Iverson was suspended for a game by the Big 3 people (Either Ice Cube or Amy Trask, depending on who handles this sort of thing for the geezer league) for skipping a game, which I’m sure gnaws at his very innards even now.

Then, Pete Rose, who was going to be honored Sunday by the Phillies, was un-honored after the 44-year-old story about his sexual relationship with a 15-year-old resurfaced. No Wall of Fame for him, and worse, no bobblehead.

Neither of these things is a violation of their essential characters. Iverson’s interests come and go, and Rose has never not ruined a chance to get closer to the baseball establishment.

But at least Iverson passed on something he didn’t really care that much about, rather than be hounded by a vengeful establishment. Rose has made powerful and enduring enemies in his time, going back three commissioners worth, and it surely must dawn on him finally that he will not be made part of the official baseball family again, at least not while he lives.

Indeed, Rose is entering his third full decade of going through what the far more noble Colin Kaepernick is just now understanding – that you are defined by the people you cross, and the higher you go, the longer the definition of “indefinite.”

That Philadelphians have had love affairs with both men is a statement on Philadelphians, both good and bad. They love an entertaining and charming rogue.

But it seems clear now that Allen Iverson is worth more of your time and attention even though the Big 3 is sort of past it, just because not showing up for a game is still way better than showing up for a crime.

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