On January 31, 2000 — “I would retire first. It’s the most hectic, nerve-racking city. Imagine having to take the [Number] 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.” – JOHN ROCKER, commenting in a Sports Illustrated article on his feelings about playing for a New York team. Commissioner Bud Selig suspends John Rocker until May 1, a span of 73 days, due to the Braves closer’s racial and ethnic insensitive remarks reported in a Sports Illustrated article written by Jeff Pearlman. The 25 year-old reliever from Georgia, who is also fined $20,000 and ordered to attend sensitivity training, becomes the first player to be disciplined for comments made publicly.

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