CLEVELAND — Some are willing to forgive John Rocker's past, while others criticized the Indians' acquisition of the controversial reliever as another racially insensitive move by the team's management.

        “It's an embarrassment for Cleveland,” said Ron Buford, spokesman for the United Church of Christ and a longtime Indiansfan. “They are more than just players, they are symbols for the city.”

        The hard-throwing left-hander, acquired Friday night from Atlanta, has been a controversial figure since 1999, when he denigrated New Yorkers, immigrants, homosexuals and others in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

        He joins a team frequently accused of being racially insensitive by groups opposed to Chief Wahoo, the Indians' red-faced caricature logo.

        As hundreds of Unitarians attending their church's annual meeting marched Thursday through a downpour around Jacobs Field, Indians fans leaned out their car windows, yelling war whoops.

        The Rev. Wayne Arnason said the Rocker trade could add to the perception of insensitivity toward American Indians in Cleveland.

        But at least Mr. Rocker has apologized for his remarks, said the Rev. Mr. Arnason, of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in suburban Rocky River.

        “It's hard to know what's in his heart, but I respect the fact that he apologized,” the Rev. Mr. Arnason said.

        Juanita Helphrey, team leader for the United Church of Christ's racial justice ministries, said she wonders whether Mr. Rocker will keep his mouth shut when he sees the Chief Wahoo protests.

        She said she can't write off his comments from two years ago unless she knows his attitude has changed.

        “Kids are the ones so vulnerable to the effect of words,” Ms. Helphrey said.

        Karen Schneiderman, treasurer of Chevrei Tikva Synagogue, a gay and lesbian congregation, said she'll tolerate Mr. Rocker if it helps the Indians.

        “If you want just good people on your team, you might not win,” she said.

        George Forbes, president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said he has accepted Mr. Rocker's apology.

        “He has shown he's not a racist,” said Mr. Forbes, who has Indians season tickets. “I look forward to meeting and talking with him.”

        Indians fans waiting at downtown bars to watch Saturday night's game at Kansas City said Mr. Rocker should keep his mouth shut.

        “It's going to come back to haunt him, if he doesn't seek help to keep his temper down,” said Joe Owens, 47, of suburban Euclid.

        Dennis Strnad, 42, of Cleveland, said Mr. Rocker's performance on the field will determine the reception from fans.

        “If Rocker doesn't perform here ... they're going to crucify him,” Mr. Strnad said.

Cancer claims popular priest
Pick a color for Suspension Bridge
Racial profiling mediator seeks citizens input
Key players in discrimination lawsuit
Race task force adds members
Commission offers plan to ease ire over police
Candy tossing seen as parade danger
Free art events bring in visitors
Police say hit-skip was attempted murder
Corryville shooting sends one to hospital
Delhi couple's car stolen at gunpoint
Smaller, revamped schools on the way
Vintage 'base ball' season under way
Junior high rebuilt after fire
Local Digest
Miami Twp. breaking ground
Sculptor turns trash into treasure
Woman dies in shooting
You Asked For It
Billy Graham service sets stadium record
Congrats
Fairgrounds look for revenue in off-season events
Indiana expenditures illegal, report says
Indians fans' have mixed reaction to Rocker
Trial may resolve '98 dorm fire