Rose Faces Probe for Shoving Ump

CINCINNATI —  National League President Bill White is reviewing a shoving incident involving Cincinnati Reds second baseman Ron Oester, manager Pete Rose and umpire Joe West, a spokeswoman for White said today.

League spokeswoman Katy Feeney said White is gathering reports from the umpires and will review any available videotapes of the incident, which occurred at the end of the Reds’ 12-inning 5-2 loss Tuesday night to the Chicago Cubs.

Decision May Take Time

White may not make a decision for a day or two and would only announce suspensions, not fines, Feeney said.

She said White will review the incident as a separate matter and will not take into account a probe by baseball Commissioner Bart Giamatti of allegations that Rose may have bet on baseball, including games involving the Reds.

If found guilty of betting on the Reds, Rose could be suspended from baseball for life.

That issue is tied up in federal court, where Rose has obtained temporary protection against discipline by Giamatti while a court considers the manager’s lawsuit challenging the commissioner’s authority to judge him.

“Each incident is judged on its own merits. Each incident is judged individually,” Feeney said.

Asked when White will issue his decision, Feeney said, “There’s no specific timetable. . . . Mr. White is just getting the report from the umpires.”

Rose’s involvement in the shoving incident came 16 months after his 30-day suspension and $10,000 fine for shoving umpire Dave Pallone.

The Cincinnati manager and West shoved each other Tuesday night after Rose went to the defense of Oester, who also exchanged bumps with West. (Story in Sports section.)

“You saw what they did when I pushed Pallone last year,” Rose said, referring to his punishment. “Let’s see what happens now.”

West was involved in a similar incident in 1983. The umpire was suspended for three days and fined $300 for pushing Atlanta Braves manager Joe Torre.