John Rocker

John Loy Rocker (born October 17 1974) is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who played the better-known part of his career in 3 1/2 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, before being traded to the Cleveland Indians. He later played with the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He is a native of Macon, Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta.

Controversy

While at his peak as Atlanta's closer, the former Mercer College star and Georgia native was heavily criticized for making statements that were considered insensitive and/or racist. Speaking of New York City, Rocker told Sports Illustrated in January 2000: "It's the most hectic, nerve-racking city. Imagine having to take the 7 Train to the ballpark, looking like you're riding through Beirut next to some kid with purple hair, next to some queer with AIDS, right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time, right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It's depressing." (Rocker's feud with New York City began in earnest during the 1999 National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, during which he would openly bait and taunt Mets fans.) Also during the interview (conducted while driving to a game in Atlanta), he also spat on a Georgia 400 toll machine and mocked Asian women.

Related Topics:
Mercer College - New York City - Sports Illustrated - January - 2000 - 7 Train - Beirut - Queer - AIDS - 1999 - National League Championship Series - New York Mets - Georgia 400

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Although Rocker later apologized after speaking with Hank Aaron and Andrew Young, he later made additional controversial comments. For his comments, he was suspended without pay for 14 games.

Related Topics:
Hank Aaron - Andrew Young

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