Letters To The Editor

Keep Rodman away

Congratulations, John (Blanchette), on a great column in the paper yesterday (“Forget the Cougs: Now lets discuss that corner office,” Sports, March 10).

Maybe we will miss something by not having dear Dennis Rodman, the all-youth role model on the Olympic basketball Dream Team. How proud I would be to turn on the TV during the national anthem and view Dennis with his red, white and blue hair and the five Olympic rings hanging from each ear and his newest tattoo of the Statue of Liberty on his neck.

If common sense prevails, the likelihood of Rodman being on the squad is as remote as Howard Stern in drag at the Christian Coalition annual event, Rush Limbaugh speaking to the ACLU or our own philanthropist, Bobby Brett, heading up the local United Way campaign.

John, great job.

Jock Swanstrom Spokane

Rodman deserves better

I couldn’t help but notice the prejudicial distinctions in John Blanchette’s comparisons of his apparent dislike of Phil Jackson’s support of Dennis Rodman for the Dream Team (Column, March 10).

First, I don’t believe we really have to use our best professional basketball players to win a gold medal. Our only two failures came because of outright cheating by the officials for the first and total incompetence - the negligence of coach John Thompson - for the second. Thompson failed miserably in both his choice of players and his ability to coach them. But that is another matter.

As for Rodman, he would be a great asset to our team as well as a representative for our country. He is a perfect example of an unselfish team player. His job is to rebound, and this he does better than any other man alive. Look at the Bulls’ record since he began to play for them. It speaks for itself.

If his colored hair and tattoos are your reasons for not wanting him there, then I believe that you, Mr. Blanchette, are just as guilty of the bias you insinuate against Mark Fuhrman, Pat Buchanan and Dexter Amend. Rodman is a rough player, playing a rough position against other rough players. The difference is, he wins more and entertains better. Bob Burke Hope, Idaho

Seahawks provide wide array

I realize that everyone who reads this is not sympathetic to the Seahawks staying in Seattle. So, if you’re not interested in seeing your favorite NFL team play in the Northwest, don’t bother reading on. If we lose the NFL franchise in Seattle, you will have to go to the San Francisco/Oakland area or to Denver to see your favorite team play. This issue is not just about the Seahawks. It’s about every team on their schedule. Their presence provides TV coverage of your team that may not be possible otherwise.

The Seahawks bring us a human side. They provide the opportunity for thousands of people to watch their favorite team (live) inside the Kingdome. How else would we in the Northwest be able to see some of the great players of the past (Steve Largent, Joe Montana), present (Chris Warren, Jerry Rice) and future (Joey Galloway, Drew Bledsoe). The list goes on and on. How many autographs and pictures have you obtained for yourself, your children and your grandchildren? What about memories you have of working with NFL players and coaches on projects and benefits that the NFL has done over the years. Also, remember what it’s like just to be a part of the atmosphere in Seattle on game day. Obviously, there is a lot more at stake than just saving the Seahawks.

We can all agree or disagree about the costs involved with stadiums, players or ticket prices. Yes, the costs are high, but so are houses, cars and other things we work hard for and enjoy. The big question is: Do we want to keep professional football in this area?

You can help by putting pressure on the NFL to force the current ownership to keep this franchise in Seattle. The following information will put you in contact with NFL headquarters in New York City. I encourage all football fans to call, write or fax Mr. Tagliabue and make their voice heard. Please address your letter or postcards to Mr. Tagliabue, National Football League, 410 Park Avenue, New York City, N.Y. 10022. You may call his office at (212) 758-1500 or send a fax to (212) 758-1742.

Just remember, if you want to see your favorite team or favorite players, a drive to Seattle would sure have less effect on your budget than planning a trip to California or Colorado. Jeff Broyles Spokane

OT format ludicrous

I am writing with a concern to how the National Hockey League deals with a tie score at the end of regulation play. At the present time, there is a 5-minute sudden-death overtime session. Never, in my 12 years of being a hockey fan, have I seen so many ties in NHL contests.

The Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers all have 13 or more ties this season. Seven other teams in the NHL have 10 or more ties this season.

To me, a tie in a sporting contest is like kissing your sister. Fortunately, I have a solution.

The Western Hockey League does things a bit differently. They play a 10-minute, sudden-death overtime. The results of this type of overtime session are overwhelming compared to NHL results. As of March 10, more than half of the WHL teams have three ties or less. The most ties in the league are seven, by the Seattle Thunderbirds.

This 10-minute overtime session makes things much more exciting for both the fans and the players.

Ties are pointless. If you are going to play 60 minutes of hard hockey, every effort should be made to establish an outright winner.

Come on, NHL. Get into the game. Put the 10-minute sudden-death overtime back into the game like they once did, so that fans and players can continue to enjoy the game of “Fire on Ice.” Sean Clements Pullman