Pitcher vs. pitcher — but on the streets of New Orleans.
Amid rumours of an amateur boxing match between John Rocker and Patrick Mahomes Sr., the former MLB stars gave onlookers a sneak preview of what they can expect during a confrontation outside a Bourbon Street bar in the days leading up to Super Bowl weekend.
Video shared on social media shows Mahomes, in a red hoodie, and two other men standing in the street when Rocker approaches them.
The two appear to exchange words with a lot of gesturing and taunting at one another before things escalate.
Things don’t quite get physical, as Mahomes’ companions stand between them, while others look on.
Mahomes Sr., who was in town to watch his son, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, eventually lose to the Philadelphia Eagles, is seen getting pulled away, while Rocker tossing his cup full of ice at him before taking off.
Someone on the video can be heard saying in disbelief, “Is that f***ing Johnny Rocker?”
Hours after the clip went viral, Mahomes Sr. took to X to write, “John Rocker is a menace to society.”
Rocker responded with several posts including “F*** PATRICK MAHOMES,” and “Mahomes is lucky he got away. I would have Rocked him.”
The former Atlanta Braves reliever reshared Barstool Sports’ post about their altercation, writing, “This f***ing loser can’t take a damn joke. Wish I laid him out right there and ruined his bulls*** weekend even more.”
In another exchange, Mahomes noted, “You really haven’t changed one bit in the last 25 years. Keep my name out your loud mouth.”
Rocker replied, “You wouldn’t have had the balls to say that to my face the other night. Lanky ass clown.”
But perhaps it’s a way of getting some publicity?
The street almost-fight comes after Dave Portnoy hinted that the two men were set to duke it out at a coming “Rough N Rowdy” event, telling the Daily Mail, “I think it’s 100%, but I haven’t seen the signed paperwork yet.”
Mahomes Sr. last played in the MLB in 2003 for Pittsburgh Pirates, but post-pro ball, he was arrested for DWIs in 2008, 2019 and 2024, and last year was banned from driving after being found behind the wheel without a valid licence.
He spent 10 days in jail and is now serving his first year of probation.
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Rocker, meanwhile, previously made racist and homophobic statements in a high-profile Sports Illustrated interview in 1999, in which he called then-teammate Randall Simon a “fat monkey,” used racial stereotypes toward Asian women drivers and stated matter-of-factly that he is “not a very big fan of foreigners.”
He also appeared in the 2014 “Blood vs. Water” season of Survivorwith girlfriend Julie McGee. They finished in 16th.