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Reactions: Hickman calls a Timeout! on Rocker

CNNSI.com users react to anchor's rant

Posted: Wednesday July 05, 2000 11:29 AM

John Rocker AP

CNN/Sports Illustrated anchor Fred Hickman took a timeout during the June 29 episode of Sports tonight to share his opinion on John Rocker's apology to the city of New York before the Braves' game against the Mets on June 29, asking the media respect his wishes to move on from his previous offensive remarks. CNNSI.com users shared their views on Hickman's rant. A collection of some of some of the most interesting responses follows:

If no one is hearing about Galarraga's comeback, it's because the media (including yourself) continues to focus on Rocker. Just by writing this article, you are continuing to facilitate the exact issue you are complaining about. Why don't you jump on the "clue train" Fred?? If you want everyone to hear about Galarraga, (and we'd all love to) why don't you spend your time writing about him??? What a hypocrite!
Anne, Atlanta, Ga.

I agree, but I heard this months ago. Nothing new here. On a night when Rocker takes steps towards correcting this mess (no 7 train, apologizes, no taunting fans, admits to problems he's caused his teammates), you trot out more Rocker bashing.
You say he shouldn't be the focus of all this attention. I agree, but by continuing the same old line you're perpetuating this attention. Let his actions from this point forward speak for him. If he screws up again, let him have it. If not, give him a break.
Tim Brock, Oviedo, Fla.

Fred I agree with you 100%. If you're going to open your mouth to criticize, you better be willing to stand up and take the heat. Now that he has apologized again, let's turn our attention to what a super comeback Andres Galarraga is having and credit the Braves on having such a good first half. Let's put the Rockergate behind us focus on getting to the World Series. GO BRAVES!
Steve Nafus, Huntsville, Ala.

I completely agree with Fred. John Rocker should be man enough to back-up his comments. This is a free country and we can express our feelings anyhow we choose to. But be prepared to back it up or back out graciously and this is where John Rocker has failed.
Alex Kyei, Toronto, Canada

I agree with Fred. I think that Rocker should have kept his comments to himself, especially since they were bad and racist comments. I was at the game last night and I thought that it was great that no one took his apology seriously. If he wanted to be serious he should have at least memorized his stupid apology so he wouldn't look like even more of an idiot.
Cecilia Sanchez, Scottsdale, Ariz.

I agree. Rocker knew his remarks were inflamatory, he expressed remorse only when he was forced to do so, and did so half-heartedly. Rocker is the epitome of the modern athlete - one who screws up big-time, and then tries to blow it off by claiming it has been blown out of proportion.
Dave Crowder, Mannheim, Germany

I agree with you in that he has taken away from a great season the Braves are having. But, it's time to let it go! He offended a bunch of people but everybody will be offended by someone or something in their life. He apologized, he owes you nothing more!
Doug, Gastonia, N.C.

Fred, While I agree with everything you said, one wonders whether you're dealing with Rocker's issues or your own. Could the root of your outburst have been your own "Shaq Attack"? It's time to let this Rocker thing go. It's not lingering because of Rocker, but because of journalists and reporters who can't let it go. Quit using Rocker for your own purposes and move on to another subject.
John, Independence, Iowa

I agree with Fred about John Rocker. To begin with he shouldn't have READ his apology, personally I take it as an insult as to how he would think that everyone hearing his so called "apology" is stupid enough to believe his "sincerity". He's bringing unneeded stress to his teammates and the Braves orginization by not confronting the media and whatnot in his own words instead of off a script and should stop threatning writers for printing what he said.
Aaron Riley, Chateaguay, Que.

I agree with you Fred. Everything you said is true. It's up to John to walk the walk, shut up and play ball! I hope John has finally realized he's not the center of the universe, if not he will be on someone else's roster in 2001. His Choice!
Evan Kolacki, Lawrenceville, Ga.

You are right one the money Fred, Rocker is such a distraction I think the Braves orginization is suffering from it. I am not a Braves fan, but I am DEFINITELY not a John Rocker fan. He is the definition of the word IGNORANT. He has no clue of what his actions do, to his team and himself.
Thomas Hansen, Omaha, Neb.

Fred, then face the music: STOP covering John Rocker and cover Andres Galarraga's comeback. Isn't it the most disgusting hypocrisy to now blame John Rocker for what the media, in their greed for ratings, refuses themselves to report? Back up YOUR convictions--stop talking about John Rocker.
Mike, Ankara, Turkey

I agree with Fred about Rocker's convictions. However, it has not been Rocker distracting his teammates, it's the media beating a dead horse. Alright, a horse on life support. Galarraga's comeback is amazing. If Fred thinks it deserves more coverage, then he should do it. After all, who's the sports writer?
Kevin Williams, Ramstein AB, Germany

Fred is grandstanding yet again. Endless hunt for publicity for himself or CNN. First he puts his Carnac the Magnificent act on stage and is the sole sports hack to not vote for Shaq as league MVP. This isn't something reasonable people can disagree about. Now I'm to be treated to his homily on the sporting life and good sports just so he can take advantage of a nobody like Rocker. The more you talk about this moron (I mean Rocker), the more you encourage him and his type to take to the airwaves and streets to air their nonsense. Isn't it time to move on?
Richard Barry, Danville, Calif.

Fred, knock it off. Rocker's a ballplayer, not a senator or presidential candidate, for crying out loud. It's not a job requirement that he be articulate or project the proper degree of remorse. Anyway, the fans and hypocritical media here in New York have said a lot more vicious things about Rocker than he ever said about anyone else. Stop tormenting the guy!
Ben Sharav, New York, N.Y.

I agree 100%, John Rocker does not seem sincere at all, it is so clear that the pregame statement was phony. Shame on the Braves front office for not dumping John Rocker because he is a disgrace to the game.
Alvin Fortenberry, Jackson, Miss.

Come on, Freddie. Ever made a mistake? Ever hurt somebody's feelings with a dumb remark? Ever said anything that you thought was pretty cool, then later realized it was not so cool? And puh-lease. The reason Galarraga's story has taken a backseat is because you wackos in the media have made Rocker such a hot topic. Give us and Rockhead a break, Fred.
Frank Stevenson, Shreveport, La.

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