In N.Y., Murray Chass reports that 10,078 fans gave
Braves P John Rocker a standing ovation yesterday upon his
return to the playing field since making controversial
comments in SI. Rocker's comments "are expected" to create
"potential security problems" as the team travels during the
season. MLB Dir of Security Kevin Hallinan: "Obviously,
I'll be monitoring the situation. I've worked closely with
the Braves and John" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/15). In Pittsburgh, Ron
Cook writes that the standing ovation "made me embarrassed
to be a member of the human race." Cook: "The fans last
night endorsed [Rocker's] sad, sorry view of the world"
(POST-GAZETTE, 3/15)....Noting the Bulls second straight
poor season, Bulls VP/Marketing Steve Schanwald wrote in the
team's fan magazine: "Our fans are demonstrating a level of
sophistication and knowledge about NBA basketball which
illustrates that they understand the cyclical nature of
sports teams. No one likes losing, but our fans understand
that this kind of season is a necessary evil on the road to
becoming great again. In fact, it puts us one more great
draft pick closer to having a great team" (DAILY SOUTHTOWN,
3/14)....Muller Sports Group CEO Roberto Muller said that
Hicks Muse Tate & Furst "is eager to acquire interests" in
more Latin American soccer teams. Muller said that his
company is "carefully looking at Latin America and other hot
prospects and will make additional investments as soon as
local governing bodies permit" (WALL ST JOURNAL, 3/15).
