Pete Rose Defends Decision to Launch Gambling Podcast: 'I Know How it Looks'

If Pete Rose ever wants to get back into the good graces of Major League Baseball, his latest business venture might not be the way to go. 

Rose spoke to USA Today's Bob Nightengale about the launch of his new daily gambling podcast. 

"I know how it looks, and people will criticize," Rose said, "but it's not gambling. It's handicapping. I'm a handicapper."

Rose added that the podcast will focus on all sports, not just baseball. 

"I watch two or three baseball games a day," he said. "And it’s not just baseball. I watch all sports. I love sports. I know I can help people who want to wager on sports."

The 80-year-old Rose has been banned from MLB since 1989 amid accusations that he bet on games during his time as a player and manager.

In a 2007 interview with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann on ESPN Radio, Rose admitted to betting on the Reds "every night" when he managed the team from 1984-89. 

"I bet on my team to win every night because I love my team, I believe in my team," he explained. "I did everything in my power every night to win that game."

Despite repeatedly applying to MLB for reinstatement, Rose has remained on the ineligible list. 

As a result of being on the ineligible list, Rose has never appeared on the ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame. He remains MLB's all-time hits leader (4,256). The 17-time All-Star also holds the all-time record for career at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and games played (3,562).