Letters To The Editor

SEAHAWKS AND NFL

Seahawks deserve coverage

It’s a kind of sad thing when someone fails to recognize support of a local sports team. I’m really sorry Mr. Lee is so anti-Seahawks (“More 49ers, less Seahawks,” Jan. 10, Letters). At least the state of Washington has a professional football team.

There are many states which do not have this, and thus are denied the fun of hoping “their” team will win. Remember, we are in Washington, not California, and as such, the sentiment will naturally fall with the home team.

You have a right to “hate” the Seahawks, as we all have a right to our opinions, but that is no reason to relegate the news of the team to a tiny article. I, too, like the 49ers - they are a great team, but I will read more of my home team than them.

Decomposing Kokanee salmon as a photo essay may be offensive to some people, but here again, you say football playoffs are more important. Hmmm, seems to me the fate of a native species of fish is pretty darn important to our ecosystem - much more so than football. And, where would all those NFL players be if it weren’t for college football? At one time, that was all the football there was to see, and through that, thus was born professional football for all of us to enjoy. Without publicity of college sports, there wouldn’t be the fan base there is for the pros.

If you are having trouble getting the news of another city, you can always subscribe to that paper and have it delivered to your home - it’s not necessary to drive 4 hours.

Now, we have an added chance at greatness, with the addition of Mike Holmgren, one of the best coaches in the league. He thought enough of the Seahawks to accept their offer. Lets not fool ourselves that money was the only issue. Ann Bowers Valleyford, Wash.

Area teams come first

I am writing in response to Mr. Lee of Odessa’s letter (“More 49ers, less Seahawks,”). This was a letter concerning the lack of coverage of the San Francisco 49ers in your newspaper.

Mr. Lee, it appears to me you think you have been slighted by The Spokesman-Review concerning the coverage of your favorite team. My response: Tough! This is Washington, and the last time I checked, it was home to the Seahawks, Mariners, SuperSonics, Eagles, Huskies, Cougars, and so on.

I, too, enjoy rooting for teams that play outside the confines of our state. I also understand that unless they do something relatively short of spectacular, I won’t get to see them in a full-picture, front-page article. If I remember correctly, the 49ers did make the front page. There was an article concerning their game against the Packers.

I recently graduated from Eastern Washington University, and from time to time found the coverage of the Eagles to be lacking. There were times when they won, but didn’t make the front page. Was I pleased that a local, mind you, team missed the front page because of a bigger sporting event? No. I also considered the fact reporters, photographers, or news from over the AP wire may be limited. There might have been only a few lines about the game, or a small picture. Things don’t always go every sports fan’s way.

Considering your strong beliefs on this matter, I think it’s only fair you consult another source for your sports news. ESPN, the Internet, and Sports Illustrated are all feasible alternatives that give more in-depth coverage to out-of-town games. Give the Spokesman a break. Jeff Emery Clarkston

It’s a local newspaper

I am writing in response to James Lee (“More 49ers, less Seahawks,” Jan. 10) and those others who seem to complain about what is covered in the sports section of The Spokesman-Review.

The Spokesman serves as an information source for areas of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Therefore, it is obvious to me why they cover the Seahawks more than they do the 49ers. The Seahawks are our area’s professional football team. They have training camp in Cheney, for goodness sake. I admit, I am biased as a lifelong Seahawks fan. But I ask: How much press do the Seahawks receive from newspapers in Northern California? Probably as much coverage as any other NFL team, with most attention going to the 49ers. It does not matter that you hate the Seahawks and “everything about them,” they are the professional football team in this part of the country. If it bothers you so much to hear about them, move to California.

If you want more coverage on the 49ers, order their team newsletter. I receive “Inside the Seahawks” for addtional coverage on my favorite team. So do many others around the country who cannot get enough information on their favorite team.

As for those who write in to complain about lack of Husky coverage? Give me a break. This is Eastern Washington. The Spokesman does an excellent job of covering the Cougars, Eastern and the Vandals.

This happens in every newpaper around the country. As for comparing a wild-card playoff game with the college football national championship? Please, Mr. Lee, let’s get some perspective on life.

NFL wild card-round playoff games (even those including your precious 49ers) are not more important than the national title game.

Before you complain, think about what you are complaining about, people. Here is to a more informed, clear-thinking readership of The Spokeman-Review. Jason Slagle Pullman

Move to San Francisco

Regarding James Lee’s letter: If you want more coverage of the 49ers and pictures of Jerry Rice or Steve Young, move to San Francisco.

This is Seahawks & Cougar country. Bob Martin Spokane

Needed: New uniforms

OK, Seahawks fans, we have a new coach and GM, we have a new stadium on the way. We love our ownership because he has given us new, quality talent to put on the field.

However, there is one remaining piece of the puzzle we need to insist on if we plan on being a serious contender. We need new uniforms!

The Hawks have had these unies since the beginning, I believe. The emblem on the helmet is lame at best and should be replaced with one that is substantially more menacing. Come on Mr. Allen, let’s make it fun and put the new design out to a public contest where we can obtain a substantial contribution of ideas. Eric Sperline Spokane

Salute the Broncos

I would like to respond to Norman Chad (“Broncos have just a touch of evil,” Jan. 9). Chad makes me sick. He complains about players talking trash. He makes a living out of talking trash.

In today’s sports there is a lot of celebration. Other teams do the leap frog, Lambeau Leap, the dirty bird, Icky shuffle; the Bears did the Super Bowl shuffle, and Deion Sanders dances more than he plays these days.

The Denver salute is modest. They are in my mind the best football team ever. Eighteen straight wins ties an NFL record, and Terrell Davis had 2,008 yards. This team has every reason to dance, shuffle or leap, but they just salute, win, and go home.

There is nothing wrong with telling someone you are going to beat them, or punch them in the mouth, as long as you can do it. Muhhamad Ali made a living out of it and Joe Namath guaranteed victory in the Super Bowl. That’s what makes them legendary.

You can talk the talk if you walk the walk. With the embarrassment of the felons that won a Super Bowl in Dallas, Kevin Greene attacking his coach, Brian Blades, and O.J. Simpson, the world should be proud of the Super Bowl champs. I know I am.

Maybe Shannon Sharpe and Bill Romanowski get a little excited on the field, but compared to other athletes these guys are about the best sports has to offer. Mark Johnson Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

It’s great to get outdoors

I would like to comment on the happiness felt within myself and the excitement of hunting afield this past fall. Lung problems the past six years had prohibited my participating in the great sport of bird hunting.

Good friends from Moses Lake granted my son, two grandsons and me permission to hunt on their 1,200-acre farm/ranch. Much to our surprise, we were able to hunt pheasants in their 300 acres of sugar beets.

The pheasants were in abundance; the grandsons and me missed far more than we were able to down, but were rewarded with sufficient pheasants for a number of delicious family meals.

A special thank you to the farmers and ranchers who graciously open their lands for hunting. Keith E. Rostvold Spokane