In 2025, a video of former MLB pitchers in a heated altercation on Bourbon Street went viral. The altercation started when Rocker approached Mahomes Sr. for a friendly handshake but instead, Mahomes Sr. reacted aggressively. Both hurled abuse at each other before being separated by the people standing nearby. Adding more fuel to the fire, Rocker also threw his drink in his direction. After fighting on the street, both of them continued their fight on social media and kept abusing each other. Some social media users also claimed that the fight was not real and was mere promotion for a boxing match ahead for the former pitchers.
• Controversial interview
John Rocker made numerous allegations in a story published in the December edition of Sports Illustrated in 1999. He shared his personal opinions about the New York city when he was asked a question about whether he would ever play for the New York Yankees or the New York Mets. He further said,
“I’d retire first. It’s the most hectic, nerve-wracking 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… The biggest thing I don’t like about New York are the foreigners. You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?”
• Use of steroids
John Rocker in a radio interview admitted the use of steroids during his career in Baseball after years of retirement from the game. Defending himself, Rocker said that almost everyone at his time use to take PEDs which made the sport more appealing to the fans due to ehnanced performances by the players. He further said,
“Honestly, and this may go against what some people think from an ethical standpoint, I think it was the better game. At the end of the day when people are paying their $80, $120, whatever it may be, to buy their ticket and come watch that game, it’s almost like the circus is in town”
