Sports seem to be in an all-forgiving mood. Is the Baseball Hall of Fame next? And other thoughts.

Sports and the Spirit of Forgiveness

As the landscape of professional sports evolves, the question arises: how far can forgiveness stretch? The upcoming Hall of Fame inductions could test that boundary.

Hall of Fame Speculation

Next summer in Cooperstown may bring a striking image — Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and Carlos Beltrán standing proudly on stage, receiving their Hall of Fame plaques. It's a scenario that invites both admiration and controversy.

Integrity and Accountability

Meanwhile, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame faces its own concerns. Observers wonder whether any action will be taken if inductee Chauncey Billups is found guilty in a gambling and money laundering case. These situations test the moral framework of institutions built to honor excellence.

The History of Expulsions

While O.J. Simpson remains in the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his history, Alan Eagleson stands as the only individual ever removed from one of the four major sports Halls of Fame. His resignation from the Hockey Hall in 1998 came just before the board’s vote to expel him.

“At this hour, baseball seems to be all about forgiveness.”

Baseball’s Example of Redemption

Few cases highlight this mood better than that of Alex Cora. Once penalized for his part in the 2017 Astros cheating scandal, the Red Sox manager’s reputation has largely recovered. After serving a one-year suspension, Cora and former Astros manager A.J. Hinch both returned to lead their teams to the playoffs.

Baseball, it seems, has found comfort in moving on from its scandals, letting redemption take center stage over retribution.

Author’s Summary

Sports are embracing forgiveness, with baseball leading the way as controversies fade and once-disgraced figures are welcomed back into celebration.

The Boston Globe — 2025-11-07