Rocker Ends Silence, Blasts Media
ATLANTA (AP) -- After picking up his first
save since serving a two-week suspension,
John Rocker once again refused to talk with
reporters in the Atlanta Braves clubhouse.
He blasted the media, however, during an
interview with Fox Sports Net on his way off
the field Thursday night, accusing reporters of
going too far in their zeal to report on his
insensitive comments about immigrants, gays
and minorities.
"There's been a lot of instances over the last
three or four months when the media has
been completely oblivious of my privacy and
my family's privacy," Rocker told Fox Sports Net. "They've overstepped
their bounds in a lot of areas. It's time for a little pay back."
Rocker returned from his suspension Tuesday night and pitched a
scoreless inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. Afterwards, he reacted
angrily when he arrived at his locker to find it surrounded by reporters and
cameramen.
"Beat it, media," he said. "I'm not talking."
Rocker didn't pitch Wednesday but
was standing at his locker when
reporters entered the clubhouse.
"Anyone want an interview? Nope?
Missed your chance," he said
facetiously, hurrying off to the showers.
Rocker was asked to explain his actions by Fox Sports Net.
"They're not going to be able to treat me the way they've treated me and
get me to jump at their every whim and do every little interview they want
me to do," he said. "There were news trucks sitting outside my house at 1
in the morning on Christmas Eve. I don't think I deserve that kind of
treatment."
Rocker has received standing ovations in both games he pitched at Turner
Field.
"The fans here in Atlanta have been terrific. I can't ask for anything more
from the fans of Atlanta," he said. "My teammates have been wonderful.
They know me really well."
Rocker said the controversy over his statements in a December issue of
Sports Illustrated "will end when the media decides it's going to end it.
Until something else comes up that gives you guys something to talk about,
you'll keep beating a dead horse."
The 25-year-old left-hander saved 38 games for the NL champions a year
ago, one short of the franchise record. His value to the team was
demonstrated during his absence, when the bullpen went 1-4 with a 5.14
ERA and two blown saves.
Rocker has pitched two scoreless innings since coming back, striking out
the final two Philadelphia hitters Thursday night to earn his first save since
the 1999 NL championship series.
"I just hope to repeat the things I did last year," Rocker said. "The name of
the game is consistency. A lot of guys have one big year and they're a flash
in the pan. The league catches up with them and they don't make
adjustments. They fizzle out. I'm hoping to be consistent. I want to put up
35 or 40 saves like I did last year and give this team a chance to win.
"If we get to the playoffs and I perform like that, I'll be satisfied."
Go Back To The Articles Page!
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page