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Joe Conklin's Pete Rose roast to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer also canceled

The Aug. 10 event was to be held in Center City.

Former Reds and Phillies player Pete Rose speaks during a ceremony to dedicate of a statue of his likeness outside Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark in June.
Former Reds and Phillies player Pete Rose speaks during a ceremony to dedicate of a statue of his likeness outside Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark in June.Read moreJohn Minchillo / AP
    by Ed Barkowitz | Columnist
    Published 

Joe Conklin's Philly Sports Roast of Pete Rose, which was bound to turn the elegant Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building into the Veterans Stadium 700 level, has been canceled.

Full refunds for the Aug. 10 event will be made.

"It's disappointing because it was going to be a fun night. But there is nothing funny about this," said the usually acerbic Conklin.

The cancellation comes after sworn testimony alleging Rose had sex with an underaged girl in the 1970s.

More than 300 tickets were sold at $150 per and a number of sponsors also were lined up. Proceeds were going to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer, though Conklin expected to still be able to make a more modest contribution.

"A lot of people were looking forward to seeing him one last time," he said. "The guy is 76 years old."