QUITE FRANKLY

The football weekend is finally over. And it ended with a ho-hum game last night. But it was nice to see at least one Florida pro team emerge with a win since it was a tough weekend for both the college and pro teams around here. Except for those mighty Gators! Speaking of which, I realized I have a 6 day winning streak going with my TOTW picks. Not too shabby, although since I have no money to wager these days, it's only noted here for foolish pride! Therefore, I'm doing something different today and turning our attention to a tv show.

Today's TOTW is the ESPN 2 show Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith. I had thought the much-hyped program had been cancelled due to poor ratings. But with its recent return I heard that it was merely on a "month-long hiatus." Sounds like they're prolonging the inevitable. Regardless, as a former fan of the old ESPN 2 show Talk Two with Jim Rome, I'm glad to see more of this type of programing on ESPN. I like interview shows with more than soundbytes. And while I often disagree with Stephen A's takes, I also respect his willingness to stick out his neck and offer a real opinion. Too many sports hosts speak in generalities to avoid being wrong and somehow not looking like an expert anymore.

Speaking of generalities, there's nothing general about Pete Rose. The all-time baseball hit leader is Stephen A's guest tonight at 11:00pm EST. From the teaser seen on last night's SportsCenter, Rose will be discussing the baseballs currently selling on Ebay that he autographed with the inscription, "Sorry I bet on baseball." Classic Pete. I'm a big fan and wish there were more players and managers like him in MLB. And I think he's done his time and deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. How tame does Pete's crime look in comparison to the steroid escapades that have made a joke out of the record book? Does anyone really think Pete Rose would bet against his own team? This from a guy who played the All-Star game like it was Game 7 of the World Series?

No way. Pete merged his gambling addiction with his pride for his own team. Yes, that was a mistake. But even the MLB Hall of Fame is filled with men who made mistakes. Bud Selig obviously has a personal vendetta against Pete Rose. And if you judge a man by his enemies, this speaks well of Pete Rose. Selig needs to get over it and welcome Rose back into baseball before it's too late.

No prediction for a day in which I discuss Pete Rose? IRONY!!

Here's someone whose likely Pete's type of woman. A femme fatale rumored to have been a lover of Bill Clinton and the star of dark movies like Casino and Basic Instinct....Sharon Stone.