Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is considering a petition to have Pete Rose posthumously removed from Major League Baseball’s ineligible list, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to the AP on Saturday night on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the conversations.

ESPN was the first to report on the reinstatement petition filed by Jeffrey Lenkov, a Southern California lawyer who represented Rose prior to his death at age 83 in September.

Lenkov attended a Dec. 17 meeting with Rose’s daughter, Fawn, Manfred and MLB executive Pat Courtney in the commissioner’s office. The petition was filed Jan. 8.

A message was left by the AP on Saturday night seeking comment from Lenkov.

A 17-time All-Star, Rose is baseball’s career leader with 4,256 hits. He also holds the major league record for games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890). He was the 1973 National League MVP and played on three World Series winners.

An investigation for MLB by lawyer John M. Dowd found Rose placed numerous bets on the Cincinnati Reds to win from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team. Rose agreed with MLB on a permanent ban in 1989.

Lenkov told ESPN he is seeking Rose’s removal from the banned list “so that we could seek induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which had long been his desire and is now being sought posthumously by his family.” He described Manfred as respectful, gracious and an active participant during their one-hour meeting in December.

Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be considered for election to the Hall.

Rose applied for reinstatement in 1997 and met with Commissioner Bud Selig in November 2002, but Selig never ruled on Rose’s request. Manfred in 2015 denied Rose’s application for reinstatement.

President Donald Trump posted on social media on Friday night that he plans to issue “a complete PARDON of Pete Rose.” Trump posted on Truth Social that Rose “shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING.”

Trump did not specifically mention Rose’s tax case in which Rose pleaded guilty in 1990 to two counts of filing false tax returns and served a five-month prison sentence.

The president said he would sign a pardon for Rose “over the next few weeks.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Have a gambling problem?

To that end, the Colorado Gaming Division and Colorado Lottery are promoting March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and representatives from both agencies descended on the Capitol on Wednesday morning to hand out pastries, coffee and information on what to do if you or someone you know is addicted to lottery tickets, slots or betting on football.

They promoted a hotline for those who need help — 1-800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) — and handed out fliers for a treatment and recovery center in Lakewood.

The number of people in Colorado with a gambling addiction is unclear. State officials on Wednesday said an estimated 1% to 2% of the people who gamble become addicted, although Jamie Glick, director of the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, said it could be eight times higher, at 16%.

There also is no quick estimate of the number of people who are regular gamblers on which to base that percentage and to determine how many people are addicted.

The gaming division and Colorado Lottery have programs to promote responsible gaming, including a self-exclusion list where people can self-impose bans for up to five years. The Colorado Lottery has a full-time responsible gaming manager and is asking the Colorado General Assembly for permission to hire a second person in the coming year, said Jennifer Anderson, Colorado Lottery’s deputy senior director.

The lottery also wants permission to increase its spending on responsible gambling advertising and marketing by $225,000, Anderson said. All of the money would come from revenue generated by lottery ticket sales, but the agency needs legislative approval. If the lottery receives the money, its budget for responsible gambling would total about $750,000, she said.

The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission last week awarded nearly $3 million in grants to organizations that are combatting gambling addiction in the state. That money is going toward research, counselors and treatment in the state.

There are clear signs for when a person has a problem.

Amanda Quintana, the Colorado Lottery’s player health manager, said a glaring sign is when a person lies about their gambling habits, whether it’s about how much they are spending or how frequently they play. Other signals include thinking about it often and when playing no longer becomes fun.

“All things in moderation,” Quintana said. “It’s a lot like alcohol and chocolate. There are ways to engage with these products that feel healthy and sustainable for you.”

To get started on recovery, people should limit the money they budget for gambling and the amount of time they spend on betting apps or in casinos, said Corrie Martinez, the Colorado Gaming Division’s responsible gaming manager. She also recommended a cooling-off period where a person steps away from it.

Glick, who also counsels people who have gambling addictions, said a month dedicated to awareness is nice, but a continued presence for helping people is needed.

“It can’t be a situation where we just check a box,” he said. “Gambling is highly addictive behavior.”

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The Broncos entered the 2024 NFL season with their worst preseason odds dating back to 1977, according to pro-football-reference.com. But a 7-5 start to the season has oddsmakers re-evaluating Denver’s outlook.

The Broncos have +5,000 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $5,000 — to win Super Bowl LIX, according to BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. DraftKings Sportsbook gives Denver +4,500 odds, while Fanduel Sportsbook has the team at +5,500.

It’s a far cry from Denver’s preseason odds, which ranged from +15,000 to +25,000.

The Lions are the universal favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy at +250 to +300, followed by the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs (+450 to +500).

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s performance has earned him strong odds for a postseason award. He’s the second favorite to win the offensive rookie of the year award with odds ranging from +100 to +160, across the betting sites. Washington’s Jayden Daniels is the favorite at -150 to -200.

Sean Payton is also among the frontrunners for coach of the year with odds between +400 to +650. Detroit’s Dan Campbell is the favorite at +130 to +175.

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In 2019, Colorado voters made a wise decision by passing Proposition DD, which allocated the proceeds of a tax on sports betting operators to help fund the implementation of Colorado’s Water Plan. This program has surpassed all expectations, resulting in $79 million extra dollars over the last five years to conserve and protect Colorado’s precious water resources. These funds have been instrumental in benefiting farmers, ranchers, communities, anglers, boaters, and almost every Coloradan’s kitchen faucet.

Now, Colorado voters have another crucial opportunity this year. Proposition JJ asks whether the state can keep and spend all tax revenues from sports betting, beyond the current $29 million cap. Proposition DD revenues have increased so much that they are now projected to exceed the annual cap starting this year and every year into the future.

Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires that any tax dollars raised above a tax cap must be refunded. Without voter approval, any revenues above the DD TABOR cap must be returned to casinos and sports betting operators. This measure is vital to ensure that all collected funds continue to be used for conserving and protecting Colorado’s water, rather than being returned to casinos and sports betting companies.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has been diligent in ensuring that these dollars benefit Coloradans in every corner of the state. One impactful project is the Little Cimarron River Fish and Flow Bypass, which modified the Collier Ditch dam on the Cimarron River. This modification allows the environment and agriculture to work together, benefiting all water users. Farmers and fish alike are reaping the rewards of this innovative construction.

Another significant effort is with the Municipal Water Supply Conservation Projects, including an award to the Alliance for Water Efficiency. This project supports water conservation in mobile home parks in Colorado Springs, Thornton, and Fountain. It includes in-home repairs, researching water-saving opportunities, and addressing equity issues, helping ensure that underserved communities have access to clean, safe drinking water.

Given that agriculture uses over 70% of Colorado’s water, it’s crucial to support efficient and innovative operations in this sector. The Intermountain West Alternative Forages Project received funding to explore the feasibility of feeding livestock while using less water.

Colorado’s agricultural and outdoor recreation sectors are a cornerstone of our economy and way of life. By funding innovative water-saving projects, we help farmers and ranchers continue to operate sustainably, preserving our agricultural heritage for future generations while also improving our outdoor amenities, ensuring that anglers, boaters, and all outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy our natural resources while protecting wildlife.

As Colorado voters, we have the power to make a significant impact on the future of our state’s water resources, agricultural economy, and outdoor recreation opportunities. By voting ‘yes’ on Proposition JJ, we can ensure that all tax revenues from sports betting are used to benefit our communities, rather than being returned to casinos and sports betting companies.

Let’s join together once again, as we did in 2019, to support this vital initiative. Vote “yes” on Initiative JJ to conserve and protect our water.

Erin Karney is the executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Brian Jackson is the director of the Western Water at the Environmental Defense Action Fund.

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Colorado has +1,000 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $1,000 — to win its fourth Stanley Cup this season, according to Bally Bet. The team is tied with the second-best odds — with the Devils, Panthers and Stars — and behind just the Oilers (+750).

BetMGM and FanDuel gives the Avs +1,100 odds, slightly better than Bet365 (+1,200) and DraftKings (+1,300). Colorado is ranked either second- or third-best across the sportsbooks.

Edmonton is universally the favorite with odds ranging from +750 to +850.

Colorado has an over-under of 104.5 points for the season, according to BetMGM, which would be the team’s lowest total since the shortened 2020-21 season.

For individual points, BetMGM has Nathan MacKinnon with an over-under of 121.5, a bit shy of his franchise-record 140 last season. Mikko Rantanen is listed as 101.5 and Cale Makar is at 88.5.

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Colorado voters in 2019 legalized sports betting online and in the state’s three gaming towns — Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City. The authorization allowed the state to keep up to $29 million in tax revenue from gambling each year but mandated that it return any tax proceeds above that cap to casinos and sports-betting operators.

Tax revenue surpassed $29 million in the state’s 2023-2024 budget year and is projected to increase in coming years, according to the state’s Blue Book voter guide.

Colorado lawmakers placed Prop. JJ on the ballot. Since it proposes a change to state law, it needs a simple majority to pass.

What would Prop. JJ do if passed?

Under the measure, all tax money collected from sports betting would be retained by the state and used for water projects. Passing Prop. JJ would not impact individuals’ taxes or tax refunds under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

Sports betting net revenue — which is profit after paying federal taxes and winning bets — is taxed by the state at 10%. The state in budget year 2023-2024 collected $29.9 million in sports betting taxes. Under current law, it must return any amount over the $29 million cap to gambling operators.

If Prop. JJ passes, that cap would go away.

Tax revenue from sports betting is estimated to be $30.2 million in budget year 2024-2025 and $31.5 million the following year, according to the Blue Book. The passage of Prop. JJ would yield an extra $3.7 million for water projects in those years.

Where would money from Prop. JJ go?

The money would pay for water projects outlined in the Colorado Water Plan, such as increasing water storage capacity and drought planning.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board distributes money for water projects. Last year, it funded projects to improve water infrastructure and improve the efficiency of water use in homes and in agriculture.

What do supporters say?

Supporters of the proposition span political parties, industries and Colorado’s urban and rural communities. Supporters include the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Conservation Colorado, Business for Water Stewardship, and Democratic and Republican lawmakers from major cities and rural Colorado.

“Voting Yes on JJ will enhance our water resources, providing the necessary resources to safeguard our water for future generations,” Erin Karney, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, said in a news release. “It’s an investment in the long-term sustainability of our ranching heritage and a commitment to the communities that depend on it.”

The organization representing casinos and sports-betting operators in Colorado does not object to the amendment, Colorado Gaming Association executive director Peggi O’Keefe wrote in an email.

What do opponents say?

No organizations have come out in opposition to Prop. JJ.

One argument against the proposition, as outlined in the Blue Book, is that “if the state refers a ballot question with a limited amount of new taxes” — as happened in 2019 — “it should stay within that limit.”

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Not really, but they are slowly warming up.

The Broncos have +8,000 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $8,000 — to win Super Bowl LIX, according to Bet365. They are tied for the 23rd-best odds on the sportsbook.

Denver’s odds aren’t as good on DraftKings (+9,000), Bally Bet (+10,000), BetMGM (+10,000) or FanDuel (+12,000). But overall, they’re significantly better than the +15,000 to +25,000 odds that sportsbooks were giving them entering the season.

The Chiefs, the defending champions, are universally the favorites to repeat with +450 to +500 odds.

In other odds, BetMGM gives the Broncos +185 odds to play in the postseason for the first time since the Peyton Manning era (It’s -225 that they’ll miss the playoffs). Denver’s season win total is now up to 7.5, according to FanDuel, up from the initial 5.5 entering the year. And Sean Payton is getting some early love for the Coach of the Year award with +1,000 odds on DraftKings. He’s third behind Kevin O’Connell (+160) and Dan Quinn (+275).

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Re: “Baseball icon: Pete Rose found a home in Vegas,” Oct. 2 sports story

Pete Rose’s passing is another reminder of baseball’s hypocrisy regarding gambling. On the one hand, Pete Rose, one of the greatest players in baseball history, was denied the opportunity to be in the Hall of Fame. MLB needs to get a grip on reality — since when has good character been a criterion for HOF membership? If that were the case, some people (notably Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth) would not have been elected.

In my opinion, the HOF is a travesty without the inclusion of Pete Rose, warts and all. By the same token, there are other great players who should be included (e.g., Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens).

Then there is the hypocrisy. Today, a primary sponsor of MLB is the gambling industry. We are inundated with gambling ads when we watch baseball games. In fact, all of the professional sports have the gambling industry as a major sponsor. So, it’s OK for sports fans to have a gambling addiction, with all of the obvious repercussions, but the athletes are not allowed to gamble. I get that there is a “slippery slope” when it comes to athletes betting on their sports, so I really don’t object to the restraints on the athletes. However, the professional sports industry should not encourage fans to gamble.

James W. Craft, Broomfield

Glen Canyon Dam: a monument to “stupidity”

Re: “When Lake Powell reaches “dead pool,” tear down the Glen Canyon Dam,” Oct. 2 commentary

Thanks for publishing Zak Podmore’s opinion piece, published with the headline “When Lake Powell reaches ‘dead pool,’ tear down the Glen Canyon Dam.”

Zak gave Post readers a thoughtful update on the situation at Lake Powell and a well-informed view of what needs to happen if Colorado River flows do not increase significantly.

He specifically did not state that the Glen Canyon Dam should be torn down. I wonder if the headline writer even read Zak’s piece. I don’t think any of the many serious people who are trying to figure out what to do about the Colorado River problem advocate tearing down Glen Canyon Dam.

Aside from the tremendous cost of demolishing the dam and carting away 4.9 million cubic yards of concrete, leaving the dam in place as a monument to the stupidity of building giant cities in the middle of harsh deserts is much more appealing.

Let’s just dig tunnels at the bottom and let the river flow on as if the dam were never built.

Eric T Gertler, Boulder

Why make toll lanes confusing?

Re: “Drivers hit road blocks trying to dispute fines,” Sept. 27 news story

Thank you for this article exposing the sham of the fine system for C-470.

Recently, while driving north on Interstate 25 from Castle Rock I followed the signs for C-470 West and somehow ended up in the toll lanes. Realizing that I didn’t belong in the toll lanes, I immediately exited by crossing the white lines into the local lanes. After I received my notice of a fine from CDOT, I filed an appeal saying that the signage does not make clear how to exit I-25 onto the non-toll part of C-470.  Like the people in the article, I received a quick denial of my appeal.

Last week I was again driving north on I-25; this time, I was determined not to exit onto the toll lanes. At the last second, I saw a small sign designating the toll vs. non-toll lanes. Too late. I was in the toll lanes. This time I waited until the dash lines indicated an exit from the toll lanes.

This seems more like a CDOT scam than a means of enforcing safety on the highway.  In a few days I have to make this trip to Castle Rock again. If, on the return, I end up in the toll lanes, I think I will drive as slowly as legally allowed as a protest of this “money grab.” I mean, what else can I do?

Doug Griffin, Golden

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Short answer: No.

Denver has +15,000 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $15,000 — to win Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, according to BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. The Broncos’ odds are worse when looking at DraftKings Sportsbook (+20,000) and FanDuel Sportsbook (+25,000).

Only the Patriots (+30,000 to +35,000) were consistently ranked below Denver.

This is the Broncos’ worst preseason odds dating back to 1977, which is the further back Pro Football Reference has listed in its database. Denver only had one other season when they began with +10,000 or worse — 2011 at +10,000 in the season Tim Tebow connected with Demaryius Thomas in overtime to upset the Steelers in the wild-card game.

Denver’s odds dropped off since the end of Super Bowl XVIII when they were universally listed at +10,000.

The favorites to take home the Lombardi Trophy this year? The Chiefs (+500 to +575) are the consensus favorites, followed by the 49ers (+600 to +625), Ravens (+900 to +1,100) and (+1,000 to +1,200).

Denver kicks off its new campaign Sunday at 2:05 p.m. on the road against the Seahawks.

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Rookie Bo Nix has -310 odds — meaning a $310 bet would win $100 — to take the first snap against the Seahawks on Sept. 8, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

It’s a sizeable lead over incumbent starter Jarrett Stidham, who has +225 odds. Zach Wilson is a distant third at +6,000.

Nix’s odds are slightly lower than they were on July 2 when he was listed at -400. Wilson was +450 and Stidham was +650.

Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown against Indianapolis. He also had three carries for 17 yards. The Broncos will host the Packers in their second preseason game, which takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday.

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