I saw this last year when it premiered on ESPN. The setting was Harvard Law School where live for 2 hours, the topic that would be argued was if Pete Rose should be allowed into the baseball hall of fame after betting on baseball. Alan Dershowitz was for prosecution, while Johnnie Cochran defended Pete Rose (who is only present in spirit). Catherine Crier presided over the mock trial. Many baseball legends and such testified and a jury of twelve would rule in the end (Unlike real courtroom cases, the jury did not have to be unanimous).
I found it very interesting and fun. The matter of letting Pete Rose into the hall of fame is touchy subject. First, look at the man's career. He is the all time career hitting champion, and holds many team records for games played, at bats, runs, bases, and walks. With a resume like this, it makes one wonder why he is not in Cooperstown. Then you have, the other side of the coin. Pete Rose admittedly bet on baseball and bet on his team to win. When you break the rules, you lose a lot. Pete Rose broke the rules (and has even recently admitted it), and he is not allowed to be honored. It makes for quite an interesting debate.
I hope ESPN does more mock trials like this since I am sure there are many sports controversies abound. I had a good time and everyone else that was involved looked like they had a good time as well.
I found it very interesting and fun. The matter of letting Pete Rose into the hall of fame is touchy subject. First, look at the man's career. He is the all time career hitting champion, and holds many team records for games played, at bats, runs, bases, and walks. With a resume like this, it makes one wonder why he is not in Cooperstown. Then you have, the other side of the coin. Pete Rose admittedly bet on baseball and bet on his team to win. When you break the rules, you lose a lot. Pete Rose broke the rules (and has even recently admitted it), and he is not allowed to be honored. It makes for quite an interesting debate.
I hope ESPN does more mock trials like this since I am sure there are many sports controversies abound. I had a good time and everyone else that was involved looked like they had a good time as well.
