Rocker Out

NEW YORK (AP) -- John Rocker was suspended until May 1 by baseball commissioner Bud Selig on Monday for racial and ethnic remarks that "offended practically every element of society." <br>The Atlanta

Monday, January 31st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) -- John Rocker was suspended until May 1 by baseball commissioner Bud Selig on Monday for racial and ethnic remarks that "offended practically every element of society."
The Atlanta Braves reliever also was fined $20,000 and ordered to undergo sensitivity training for disparaging foreigners, homosexuals and minorities in a magazine interview. The players' union said it intends to fight the ruling.
"Major league baseball takes seriously its role as an American institution and the important social responsibility that goes with it," Selig said. "We will not dodge our responsibility. Mr. Rocker should understand that his remarks offended practically every element of society and brought dishonor to himself, the Atlanta Braves and major league baseball. The terrible example set by Mr. Rocker is not what our great game is about and, in fact, is a profound breach of the social compact we hold in such high regard."
The players' association said it expects to file a grievance over the penalty, believed to be the longest against a baseball player for an action not related to drug use since Lenny Randle of Texas got 30 days in March 1977 for punching his manager, Frank Lucchesi.
"I do not believe it is appropriate that I should be harshly disciplined for my misguided speech unaccompanied by any conduct on my part," Rocker said in a statement released by his agents. "I have previously apologized for my unfortunate remarks and stand by my apology."
A grievance would force the matter before Shaym Das, the sport's new independent arbitrator. "We have been in consultation with Mr. Rocker and it is our present intention to appeal," said Gene Orza, the union's No. 2 official. "It is literally unprecedented to impose a penalty on a player for pure speech, offensive though the speech may be. That, coupled with the magnitude of the penalty, just as unprecedented, makes us optimistic about the outcome of the appeal."
While the suspension covers 73 days starting with the opening of spring training, the season doesn't start until April 3, meaning Rocker would miss the first 28 days of the season. A suspension will not affect his salary, expected to be between $200,000 and$300,000. Rocker may go to extended spring training starting April 3 and will be allowed to pitch in the minor leagues during the first month of the season. If the suspension isn't shortened, he would return for a May 1 game at Los Angeles.
"It really is about what I anticipated happening," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said of the penalty. The 25-year-old pitcher was barred from joining the Braves at spring training. A high-ranking baseball official, speaking on the condition he not be identified, said the commissioner's office did not want Rocker to report with other Braves' pitchers and catchers thus minimizing the number of media descending on Kissimmee, Fla., when camp opens Feb. 17.
Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president for labor relations, disputed that, saying it was not a factor.
"It comes as kind of a shock," Braves pitcher Rudy Seanez said. "I just think that's pretty harsh." Braves president Stan Kasten said he hoped Rocker will not appeal. "I hope we can separate the legal ramifications from John personally," Kasten said. "It's most important to get through this thing and get through it successfully. That's much more important than winning a couple of days."
Rocker's comments drew a strong response from Braves executive Hank Aaron and civil rights groups. Several Braves players have said they expect Rocker to have a difficult time when he rejoins the team. "We believe that even after this process is complete, there are still two hurdles that remain," Kasten said. "John still has to reconcile himself with his teammates. After that, he has to reconcile himself with the community. It's not automatic. But with the right effort and the right attitude, I think it's possible."
The pitcher, whose fine will go to groups that promote diversity, was ordered by Selig on Jan. 6 to undergo psychological tests, but the results of those tests have not been disclosed.