Letters

MAC firing begs explanation

There may well be a reason (or even reasons) why the executive committee of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture fired Forrest Rodgers. If so, I would like to hear just one of them.

Rodgers has an uncontested excellent history of museum-building, fundraising and staff management. Rodgers’ secretive firing by the MAC’s executive committee was disgusting. Committee Chairwoman Chris Schnug’s and her cohorts’ dismissive, arrogant attitude toward the public that supports the MAC – those who pay admission, those who contribute and the taxpayers who fund the museum – seems more appropriate to the Spanish Inquisition or Renaissance England’s Star Chamber than a committee charged with a public institution in the 21st-century United States.

They thumb their nose at us, saying it is “none of our business.” In fact, it certainly is our business. And I would like to hear about it.

Schnug’s blaming the media for the problem she created is a cheap shot. The media did not invent the mess Schnug and company created. They did. And we, the public, deserve and demand an explanation.

Travis and Sharlene Rivers

Cheney

Must be a valid reason

Why would a volunteer board of directors act without good cause on a matter they know will be controversial? There is speculation about the reasons the Museum of Arts and Culture board voted to terminate the employment of its executive director, Forrest Rodgers.

Some have suggested the board acted improperly. What would motivate the board to act without justification? The MAC is a public organization. The actions of its board – especially on a matter as significant as terminating its executive director – will not go unnoticed, much less unexamined. Why would the board take such an action other than in their collective belief that it is in the best interest of the MAC? It is hard to fathom reasons for a board of volunteers to act otherwise.

Roger Chase

Spokane

Fatigue contributes to injuries

In the April 30 article, “Injuries could’ve happened any time,” Dr. David Altchek states there is no evidence risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is related to a condensed National Basketball Association season and the subsequent noncontact injuries sustained by two players. He further argues that the female athlete is far more vulnerable to ACL injury and “there’s little explanation for how to prevent them.”

We respect the expertise of this surgeon, but there is strong evidence from rigorous scientific studies that fatigue ultimately plays a role in vulnerability and risk for injury in athletes involved in sports such as soccer, basketball, handball, and skiing. Biomechanical studies conclude that fatigue plays a major role in increasing ACL injuries. Furthermore, research on Division I soccer athletes shows overwhelming evidence that risk for this devastating injury is significantly reduced by prevention programs emphasizing neuromuscular control and plyometric skills.

This article places our local athletes at risk. We hope that current and future efforts will focus on the critical role prevention strategies play on minimizing the risks that undue fatigue and poor biomechanical control have on the athlete: risks that may well lead to a catastrophic injury, including ACL disruption.

Russell VanderWilde, M.D.

Spokane