Letters To The Editor

Ruling on Martin applauded

I was pleased to read the judge ruled in favor of Casey Martin. I have been a golfer for more than 45 years and enjoy the game to no end. I respect its rules and “customs,” but in any sport the need to change/adjust is always a consideration. I believe some of the rules are a little “stuffy” and, in some cases, even on the verge of ridiculous.

I see no advantage to Casey Martin riding in a golf cart. One of our local TV sports announcers made the comment a week or so back that if all the pros rode in a cart the congestion would be terrible, or words to that effect. As we know, the Senior Tour has that option and I don’t recall seeing any “traffic jams” at those tournaments.

Speaking of rules/customs, when a golfer is preparing to make a shot or a putt, nobody moves or talks until the shot is completed. Maybe we should consider modifying that condition and do what they do at a basketball game when a player is shooting a free throw. Just kidding, just kidding. William J. Hiatt Spokane

Martin ruling opens can of worms

The PGA is appealing the idiotic ruling in the Casey Martin case. U.S. Magistrate Thomas Coffin is wrong.

Consider the following: Suppose a man in a wheelchair wants to play pro football, pro baseball, pro hockey, pro boxing, pro basketball, etc. Would you accommodate him by changing the rules, no matter how “noble” the cause?

Talk of fairness and discrimination!

Nobody except crybaby Casey is going to get to ride! By this ruling, the entire game is being altered. Many years ago, Pete Gray played pro baseball. Although he had only one arm, no one changed the rules. What’s next, a blind man driving in a NASCAR race? William A. Hall Spokane

Leaf should have phoned Colts

Regarding the Ryan Leaf story in Tuesday’s paper: I wonder if Leaf or his agent bothered to call the Colts to tell them he couldn’t make their meeting.

I own two businesses in Coeur d’Alene and also do some volunteer work. You would be surprised at the number of people who make a commitment to be somewhere or help on a project, who don’t show up.

In my opinion, there are probably thousands of reasons why a person can’t make a commitment. There is only one good reason why you can’t call and let someone know. That would be if you were dead! Michael Grace Spirit Lake

Diabetes need not be hinderance

I would like to commend Mike Vlahovich for his article on athletes with diabetes.

I have had diabetes for 43 years and it has never interfered with my work or play. I have been a softball pitcher fastpitch. Also enjoy hunting and fishing. Fish both fresh and saltwater. Hunt deer, ducks, and geese. Bowl from two to five times per week won city singles title in 1982. Shoot trap in the S-R shoot and in registered ATA shoots. Won nine senior/vet trophies in 1997. Have broken 100 straight in singles eight times and from handicap yardage one time. Diabetes need not be a hinderance if you learn to control it and not have it control you. Merlin J. Jespersen Spokane

TV ignores GSL gymnasts

I have been involved in the gymnastics community for more than 20 years and never have I seen such a lack of coverage from our local television sportscasters.

Last month, the Greater Spokane League had a meet at Ferris that included the top four rated teams. I was absolutely disgusted to see the total lack of television coverage. It was unforgivable that all the gymnasts’ hard work was not going to be shown on the nightly news so the rest of the community could see their remarkable talent. Shame on you television sportscasters!

As a USAG judge I would like to take this time to thank all the GSL gymnasts for their outstanding performances this season. It was a true pleasure to see your routines mature and develop throughout the season. Congratulations to (coach) Stacey Heaton for winning the GSL title at University and maintaining a longtime winning streak. Congratulations to Kim Brunelle from Central Valley for winning coach of the year and for coaching her team to the district championship. Congratulations to Bob Litton from North Central and Bob Christianson from Ferris for coaching their teams to the Regional championships (Saturday) in the Tri-Cities.

It sure would be nice if the rest of the community could have seen this abundance of talent on the news. Football sure was covered completely and basketball seems to be on a roll. Maybe next year we can have equitable coverage in gymnastics. Shame on you, television sportscasters! Tracy J. Duncan Spokane