When John Rocker fired back at Chipper Jones for a derogatory comment made by the HOFer
Chipper Jones and John Rocker's feud is one of the most eye-catching ones in MLB history. Considering that it only lasted for a few months, it sure seemed to be one of the few MLB feuds that were resolved quickly.
The incident started when Chipper Jones made some comments about Rocker during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Blue Jay Rays in 2001. Rocker had already transferred from the Atlanta Braves to the Cleaveland Indians.
Jones was heard saying the following during the game that later turned into a brawl:
"We held our breath in the ninth inning the last two or three years," Jones said. "That's kind of unnerving."
However, it was clear that the statement was not true as the pitcher had saved 83 games during his time with the Braves.
After hearing Jones' comments, Rocker became angry and went to an interview to let his side be heard. This was right after he had made disparaging comments about the LGBTQ+ community.
On December 27, 1999, Sports Illustrated published an article highlighting John Rocker's comments on why he didn't like New York. He said that "in New York you would have to take a train with a queer who might have AIDS" and the place is also "filled with foreigners." These comments led to a lot of backlash from the MLB community.
However, it wasn't long before Rocker again managed to get himself into a scandal right after his suspension for the above hateful comments. This time it was because of his feud with Chipper Jones
Rocker went to WLKL, a radio show in Atlanta. This was the only media show he went to after his suspension for the remarks.
Rocker said this to the WLKL radio show interviewer:
"Chip's white trash anyway," Rocker said. "He's never had much respect for me, so I don't have much respect for him."
Going by his words and actions, it was fairly understandable that Jones and Rocker didn't get along well.
Chipper Jones homers off of former Brave Jason Schmidt - 5/12/1997
#BravesOnTBS https://t.co/vcVyqrUngG
Thankfully, Jones and Rocker made up after a phone call that the former Atlanta Braves player initiated to clear the air between the two.
When Chipper Jones resolved his feud with John Rocker
In a 2001 interview with CBC sports, Chipper Jones told the public how he resolved his issues with John Rocker and ended their long-term feud.
Rocker had called Jones "white trash" and made other comments about him and the special treatment he received. Jones then finally decided that it was time to clear the air between them.
Jones apologized to Rocker in a telephone conversation for the comments he'd made.
These were the comments that were made after Rocker was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Cleaveland Guardians in 2001. Jones said that the Braves were relieved when the pitcher was traded from the team.
Jones, when asked about what he had said to Rocker in the call, said this:
"I told Rocker today, 'Certainly there have been times in the ninth inning when a ball was dribbling down the third base line and people held their breath,"' Jones said.
The former third baseman continued on by saying:
"John had certain points in the season when he made everybody a little nervous. But I shouldn't have said that."
Jones recalled how both of them had a lot on their chests that they needed to say to each other.
chipper jones, he’s just like us https://t.co/CMOcBu4KpV
After apologizing to Rocker for the comments and wishing him luck with his new team. Chipper Jones did not want to comment any more on the issue and wished for both of them not to be questioned again on this.