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Former controversial MLB closer John Rocker admitted to steroid use when he
was with the Atlanta Braves during a radio interview with Mike Silva, USA
Today reports.
Rocker, who for a three-year stretch was one of the better closers in
baseball, denied that the steroids helped improve his game:
“No. Can I throw 3 or 4 mph harder because of it? Yes. Was my breaking ball
better because of it? No. The reason was (for taking it) with my teammates
and their confidence laying on my shoulders, with the coaching staff and
their confidence on my shoulders, with the millions of Atlanta Braves fans, I
am not going to step on that mound with that kind of responsibility with my
gun half loaded,” Rocker told Silver.
The now 37-year-old Rocker is best known for his polarizing 1999 Sports
Illustrated interview in which he drew the ire of millions with his casual
use of racial slurs, and general negative view toward other people. Rocker
also said in his appearance with Silver that he wished he hadn’t said some
of the things he had in the now infamous interview.
“I wish 37-year old John Rocker could go back and punch 23-year old John
Rocker in his face,” Rocker said.