New York ? AL manager Terry Francona said it was up to Kenny Rogers to decide whether he wants to participate in next week’s All-Star game.

Rogers was voted onto the AL All-Star team Sunday by fellow players, two days after he was suspended for 20 games and fined $50,000 by baseball commissioner Bud Selig for an angry fit that sent a television cameraman to a hospital and prompted a police investigation.

Because the players’ association appealed, Rogers cannot be penalized until Selig hears the appeal and makes a decision. A hearing has not yet been scheduled for Rogers, who apologized Wednesday for his actions.

“If he decides to pull out of the All-Star game, for obvious reasons, that is something I would certainly respect,” Francona said Thursday during a telephone conference call. “If he decides to pitch in the All-Star game, that is something I would also respect. He’s earned that right.

“Is it going to bring some attention that’s not completely positive attention? Yes, I think that’s just stating the obvious. But at the same time, you have to respect what this guy’s done and what he’s earned.”

Francona and NL manager Tony La Russa said they didn’t like that the All-Star game was being used to decide which team gets home-field advantage in the World Series, a rule that began in 2003.

“I wish they could have the home field decided by the regular-season wins,” Francona said.