To the editor:

I think it is a travesty of justice that John Rocker is being suspended for speaking his mind. I just don't get why his free speech is being compromised by the very people, the news media, who use it most.

It amazes me how the media have twisted his phrases like "fat monkey" into racial slurs. Believe it or not, teammates have nicknames for each other, and they're not always nice. When Mr. Rocker was saying this about his teammate, it was not because of the color of his skin. Rather, it was that the player was pudgy and his facial features were that of a monkey.

I guess I understand how the system works now. As long as you say something -- while being politically correct, not hurting anybody's feelings and not being truthful -- it's acceptable.

I'm not trying to be a racist, but I'm sure someone will say I am. But would the media have made such a big deal out of his comments if he were a minority? Just a thought.

SEAN WINSTEAD

Jackson