Holmes, Rose Still Loved By Fans

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167
(212) 931-3800

Dear Mr. Commissioner:

I hate it when one of my sports heroes does something shady. That’s the best word I can think of to describe Priest Holmes’ behavior as of late.

He says he’s here for the team, both to the local and national media, that his presence will be quite something for the youth of the club admire. But his behavior seems as though he’s only looking out for himself. There’s still time before the National Football League’s 2007 regular season gets underway, but I’m worried that this series of strange bits might be the last Chiefs fans see of Holmes.

I doubt Reds fans would say the same about Pete Rose. He started and ended his career with Cincinnati and delivered them two national championships plus the all-time hit record. He also managed some good clubs at the end of his playing career and probably inspired many people.

Holmes is the all-time leading rusher for the Chiefs. Larry Johnson will likely break that record, but Holmes has been something else, a breath of fresh air, something new to root for for Chiefs fans in the last five-plus years. Again, I’ll bet Reds fans feel the same regarding Rose; he was probably a cool blast in the 60s, 70s and 80s (not to mention Phillies and Expos fans), something they all fondly remember now.

Even though Holmes behavior of late has been peculiar, Chiefs fans will always love him, hope to see him on the Ring of Fame one day, maybe even in Canton. If an undrafted, persistent recoverer-from-injury back like #31 instills that kind of pride, how must Reds fans feel?

Please, Mr. Commissioner, for the Cincinnati fans, lift the ban.