CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- With a standing ovation and a wisecrack for baseball, Pete Rose accepted the "living legend" award Monday night from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.

Rose, a member of the Phillies team that won the 1980 World Series, thanked the city's fans and media for their honesty and had a punchline for the sport that banned him for life after a gambling investigation in 1989.

"Allen Iverson didn't make the Olympic team. I've got that figured out," Rose said. "Baseball must have selected that team."

When a cell phone rang during Rose's brief acceptance speech, he said, "Quick, answer that. It's probably Bud Selig calling me."

In fact, there was some news regarding Rose's bid for reinstatement. According to Rose's agent, Warren Greene, the commissioner's office has proposed several dates next month for a meeting between Rose attorney Roger Makley and baseball lawyer Bob DuPuy. Rose applied for reinstatement in 1997, but has received no formal response.

"All we want is a dialogue," Greene said.

Also among those honored at the association's 96th annual banquet were former NBA star Charles Barkley (career achievement), NBA scoring leader Iverson (pro athlete of the year) and golfer Jay Sigel (most courageous athlete.)

Rose received support from several speakers, including current Phillies manager Terry Francona, who played with Rose in 1984.

"I don't think a baseball player could ever hope to have a better teammate than Pete Rose," Francona said. "Pete, whatever you hope for in the future, I hope you get it, man. You've got a fan right here."

Philadelphia 76ers coach Larry Brown added, "Any athlete in any sport could appreciate what he's done. We all hope we have players who play hard, play the right way and respect the game. I think that's the way you played, Pete."

Rose, joined by former Phillies teammates Bob Boone, Tug McGraw and Larry Christenson, did not directly address his bid to be reinstated. He did make an unfortunate reference to gambling.

"I wanted to come here," Rose said of signing with the Phillies. "I could have went to Atlanta, I could have went to Kansas City, I could have went to St. Louis. In Pittsburgh, they offered me race horses. You can bet your ass, if I was negotiating today and somebody offered me a casino, I'd be right there."

The banquet included a poignant moment when Philadelphia Flyers coach Roger Neilson was introduced. Neilson, being treated for bone marrow cancer, got a rousing ovation as he walked to the podium for a brief speech.

"You guys over there," Neilson said, gesturing toward the side of the stage where Rose was sitting. "You've got to have cancer to get a hand like that."

Selina Gross, Chamberlain's sister, also received an ovation when she accepted her brother's athlete of the century award.

"I'll leave you with something that he probably would have said," Gross said. "Do the best you can, while you can, and hopefully you'll be around to receive your accolades."