Letters To The Editor

Athletes’ salaries unjustified

There are many things in this world that seem unjustified, but perhaps, if you’re a sports fan, there’s only one No. 1 unjustification. It’s the salaries paid to the prima donnas the American people seem to idolize.

This has changed the American sports scene to the extent we now watch players who are only interested in one thing. It’s not whether they win or lose, but who’s going to make the most money for the next five years.

None has a valid excuse for the amount of money they’re receiving for what they’re producing. Sure, it’s entertainment, but they and the owners are pricing the American family out of all spectator sports.

The best thing about the baseball strike was lack of fan participation this past year. The entire season should have been boycotted.

Maybe, someday, what goes around will come around and all these sport millionaires will have to work for a living, 12 months a year. The surprise of all surprises, maybe it would make better human beings out of most of them. James A. Nelson Spokane

Bergum not fair to Grizzlies

I was there (at the Washington State-Montana football game Sept. 9), Steve Bergum was not! At least not mentally. Whatever happened to objectivity, true and pure journalism without bias? Let me be blunt. Whatever happened to honesty?

Steve Bergum’s article about the Grizzly-Cougar game read like a writeup about a fantasy football league on the Internet. The score was correct. The stats, hopefully. There, however, is where the truth was abandoned and Bergum’s fantasy was allowed to prevail.

The Grizzlies weren’t allowed to “hang around” until the fourth quarter, contrary to fantasy. Even die-hard Cougars fans admit the Grizzlies were in a position to even the score. Ask any of the 28,312 fans present up to the point when the final score was posted. Yes, they were there. Where were you?

The Montana Grizzlies aren’t concerned with the “what-ifs.” They played football with heart and determination, playing to win. An onside kick with 2 minutes left showed everyone what this team is made of.

The Cougars won. The Grizzlies lost, but against a Division I-AA team the Cougars should have won BIG. They didn’t. Live in your fantasy land with your blatant and appalling dishonesty if you like, but I implore, give more respect to your readers, the Grizzlies, and the Cougars. Print the facts. Cheryl D. McLean Spokane

Cougars are positive role models

My school had the privilege to be involved with the Washington State football team’s elementary school visit Sept. 14. To my understanding, there were a number of players and coaches who were to visit schools in the Spokane area. However, due to a late NCAA notification, which stated players couldn’t be pulled from class for this kind of activity, only a few more than 40 could participate. I applaud the NCAA for this decision because that is truly where they should be.

We had the pleasure of hosting Myron DeBose, who is an 18-year-old redshirt freshman linebacker from Los Angeles. Myron is a bright, articulate young man, who spoke to our third- through sixth-graders about goals, education and individuality. He encouraged our students to dream big, be positive and never stop learning.

Myron talked of his love for reading and writing poetry and short stories. He stressed the importance of being an individual and doing what is right for you. Although he feels privileged to be playing football at WSU, his goal isn’t to be a football player, but to gain a college education. Myron encouraged our students to stay away from all drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol. He also encouraged them to stay away from people and gangs who want them to do things that aren’t good for them.

In a time when we very seldom read about and highlight our positive youth on the front page, Myron and the other WSU athletes and coaches were wonderful role models for our students to meet. Mike Uphus, counselor Adams Elementary, Spokane

Prep football a great buy

When was the last time you attended a high school football game? Why not? It is a great form of entertainment and a great way to support the youth of our community. It’s not that expensive - $4 for adults and $3 for students - and you get two games (for GSL doubleheaders at Albi Stadium). Or if you go to a lot of games you can purchase a season pass for $35 for each adult in your family and only $5 for each child.

We have attended several games and have noticed some schools have more support from their student bodies and fans than do other schools. Come on, guys, whatever happened to school spirit? And parents, what happened to you? Did you forget how much fun a game was? And why can only one school bring its band? And why is the halftime show so short?

Just remember when Joe Albi Stadium was Spokane Memorial Stadium and we filled the place? And there were only four high schools in those days.

Do something a little different on a Thursday or Friday evening and go see your old alma mater play, and maybe run into some old friends. Lois Norman Shirley Spokane