Garvey Feels Strongly Both Ways

Steve Garvey, who aspires to a career in politics, sounded very much the politician in his published remarks Tuesday on the Pete Rose situation.

In an interview with Sam McManis of The Times’ Sports section, Garvey described himself as a “compassionist” and said that if the accusations against Rose are true, he should not be banned for life.

“I would think in terms of a (milder) decree if I’m the commissioner,” Garvey said. “I haven’t read the report, and I don’t know if (Rose) bet on baseball. But the bottom line is that (gambling) is an illness and a sickness and should be treated as such.

“Everybody is so judgmental. People are taking sides. Some want him barred from earth. I think we should have compassion.”

However, Garvey told Judith Michaelson of The Times’ Calendar section that if Rose had indeed bet on baseball, he should be suspended “for a year,” but if he bet on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, he should be “banned for a lifetime.”