NLN: BREAKING NEWS
By Francis Ferry, NLN baseball writer

February 6, 2013: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Former Kalamazoo Badger and current Aurora Borealis broadcaster George Crocker was arrested early Monday morning as his Bogota Caribs team arrived in Cabo San Lucas for their series with the Mahi-mahi.  Upon passing through customs, Crocker was found to be in possession of a large package that federales dogs were instantly attracted to.  Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the outfielder was carrying a large quantity of cocaine and performance-enhancing drugs.  Possession and smuggling of both are severe crimes punishable by many years in prison according to Mexican law.

A stunned George Crocker apparently spent numerous hours arguing with the federales in a sequestered room at SJD Los Cabos Mexico International Airport.  Reports from teammates claim that Crocker seemed truly baffled by what was in the package, and they giggled at the thought of his vehement denials of any knowledge of its contents.

Crocker was carried away to a local jail for further interrogation after the federales finished with their immediate questioning.  Crocker was heard shouting to customs officials that the package was for “an appearance he was scheduled to attend that evening”.  His pleas of, “Don’t you know who I am?  I’m George Crocker!” left officials unimpressed.

Crocker’s comments that the package was for an “appearance” is in keeping with his Facebook postings about appearing at “parties” throughout South America and delivering “gifts” and “packages” to people from Bogota owner Eustace Maximos, a man whose financial dealings have been suspected to include drug smuggling.  Putting two and two together, one might assume that the naïve Crocker may have been set up.

Members of the Bogota management team disappeared quickly and were conveniently unavailable for comment.  Borealis and KOA Radio likewise had no initial comment.  KOA-Borealis broadcast partner Mark Gunter’s response to questions about Crocker’s arrest?  “Why am I not surprised?”

PEBA Commissioner John Rodriguez, Jr.’s office responded over the phone by saying, “George Crocker is not a current member of the Planetary Extreme Baseball Alliance.  It is not the policy of the league to comment on circumstances surrounding non-league members.”

Crocker’s time with the Bogota Caribs may have come to an end with his arrest.  Bogota was a team that was going nowhere at 57-62 when Crocker signed.  They have played 23-17 ball since and moved into the wild card lead for the WBL America’s Division with a one-game edge over Montreal.  One might expect that Crocker’s signing was the catalyst for the team but, over those 40 games, Crocker is hitting just .223 with 51 K in 134 AB.  It seems that Crocker has been more entertainment than baseball star.  Perhaps George has been more “mule” than anything else.