Union Files Grievance Over Rocker

.c The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - The players' association filed a grievance today to overturn
John Rocker's suspension, a ban scheduled to last through May 1.

``The discipline is without just cause,'' the union said in a letter sent to
the commissioner's office. The grievance said arbitrator Shyam Das ``should
rescind the discipline.''

It is unclear when a hearing will be scheduled. Many suspensions by baseball
commissioners have been overturned or shortened.

``Major League Baseball takes seriously its role as an American institution
and the important social responsibility that goes with it,'' commissioner Bud
Selig said Monday in issuing the suspension and $20,000 fine.

``We will not dodge our responsibility,'' said Selig, who also ordered the
Atlanta Braves reliever to undergo sensitivity training for disparaging
foreigners, homosexuals and minorities in a magazine interview.

``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 penalty is 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.''

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.

``It is literally unprecedented to impose a penalty on a player for pure
speech, offensive though the speech may be,'' said Gene Orza, the union's No.
2 official. ``That, coupled with the magnitude of the penalty, just as
unprecedented, makes us optimistic about the outcome of the appeal.''

Rocker, 25, will be allowed to go to extended spring training starting April
3 and pitch in the minor leagues during the first month of the season. If the
suspension is not 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.

``It comes as kind of a shock,'' Braves pitcher Rudy Seanez said. ``I just
think that's pretty harsh.''

Rocker's comments drew a strong response from Braves executive Hank Aaron and
civil rights groups. Several Braves players 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,'' Braves president Stan 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.

Rocker said in a Sports Illustrated story published last month that he would
never play for a New York team because he didn't want to ride a subway train
``next to some queer with AIDS.'' He also said, ``I'm not a very big fan of
foreigners. ... How the hell did they get in this country?''

He also called a black teammate a ``fat monkey.''

Braves owner Ted Turner has said Rocker deserves a second chance, and pointed
out the reliever had apologized.

``I don't think we ought to hold it against him forever,'' Turner said. ``He
didn't commit a crime.''

Rocker told ESPN last month that he had lost his cool and said things he
didn't mean about New York fans because he wanted ``to inflict some emotional
pain in retaliation to the pain that had been inflicted on me.''

Rocker said he was frustrated by Yankees fans who threw batteries at him
during the World Series. He said Mets fans spit in his face and poured beer
on him during the playoffs.

``The bottom line with the Atlanta Braves, and any team in general, is you
have to overcome adversity and problems,'' Braves pitcher John Smoltz said.
``That's what makes a team stronger: facing a problem rather than just
wishing it never happened.''

Andi :o)
"We're all players, What would they do without us? What would they do without
pitching?" ~ Pedro Martinez
"He (Kevin Millwood) might not have any Cy Youngs now. But it's only a matter
of time." ~ Jeff Bagwell
"I coin the phrase, Greg Maddux could put a baseball through a life saver if
you asked him!" ~ Joe Morgan
"You're only in the game so long, why not play hard when you're here? I'm not
here for style points...I'm out there to play hard." ~ Ryan Klesko
Go Braves ~ The 1999 National League Champs!!!