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Race And Sports

Sports and Society Critical Analysis Paper

On December 22nd of 1999 a Sports Illustrated interview forever altered the life of John Rocker. Earlier that year, the New York Mets had eliminated the Atlanta Braves in a hard fought National League Championship Series. As the closer and star reliever for the Mets biggest rival, the New York fans did not pull any punches in their treatment of Rocker, allegedly hurling batteries and insults in his direction. During the Sports Illustrated interview, Rocker opined on why he would never play for a New York team. "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 continued the interview by calling teammate Randal Simon a "fat monkey" and insulting Asian women. By analyzing the the events that followed the interview along with a glimpse into sports past, the impact of this interview can be analyzed in two different ways. First one can use the different theoretical approaches to analyze the impact of John Rocker's quotes on the media. And second, the effect of John Rocker's quotes on the values sports uphold in society.

The Aftermath
John Rocker's quotes left few groups without insult. Rocker comments managed to insult minorities; notably African Americans and Asian Americans, young mothers, and homosexuals. Among the first to speak out following the interview was Atlanta Braves legend Henry "Hank" Aaron. A vice president with the Atlanta Braves, Aaron said that he would strongly consider getting rid of Rocker in light of his comments. Three weeks after the Sports Illustrated interview, Rocker appeared on ESPN to apologize for his comments. After much challenge and deliberation, Rocker eventually received a 14 day...