COLORFUL CAREER

If Rogers is really retired, it ends one of the longest and most colorful careers in the history of South Florida radio. In its heyday, Rogers' show spared no one -- politically, religiously, ethnically or age-wise. Sexual double entendres and obnoxious bodily function sound effects were a staple of his shtick, as were the Yiddish-isms that laced his rants.

His show roamed sexual boundaries long before it was fashionable. In 1976, at a time when the Rock Hudsons and Lily Tomlins of the world were still deeply closeted, Rogers declared himself gay on the air.

No one much seemed to care, except Coral Gables attorney Jack Thompson, who wrangled endlessly with Rogers in court over the subject matter of his show, with little success.

There was far more official rancor over the vitriol Rogers freely dispensed, particularly in the city of Hallandale Beach, a favorite target during the 1980s: He called the residents ''wrinkled, miserable cheapskates'' who stole packets of artificial sweetener while dining at early-bird specials.

''He would say, `If you see an old man on the street in Hallandale Beach, hit 'em,'' said former Mayor Arthur ''Sonny'' Rosenberg, who verbally sparred with Rogers during the period.

``What the hell is this? He should have retired 30 years ago. I don't think he deserves any praise about anything.''

HUNG UP ON HIM

Rosenberg frequently called the show to complain. But, he said, Rogers would always hang up on him. Rosenberg even said he pressured Gulfstream Race Track to withdraw sponsorship from the show because of all the attacks.

Rogers -- real name Nelson Behelfer -- grew up in Rochester, N.Y., and attended Michigan State University. An ice hockey and harness racing fan, he spent five years announcing University of Miami Hurricanes baseball games.

In South Florida, he worked at WIOD, WKAT, WNWS, WINZ and WZTA, in addition to WQAM.

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