Letters To The Editor

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Cheers undeserved

I have been a Spokane resident all 27 years of my life and have watched the Seattle Seahawks for a long time.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a Seahawks fan, just a fan of football. Last week while watching the Seahawks playing against the Denver Broncos it actually occurred to me how many people don’t see how good these guys (professional athletes) have it. The Seahawks had the “fantastic” Joey Galloway, who sat out all of training camp and games because he wanted to be the highest-paid receiver in the game. The highest-paid player in the National Football League? For the Seahawks? Come on!

Then when Joey decides he will play (because the Hawks are doing so well), Seattle’s coach, Mike Holmgren, puts him in to play after just a few days back in town. More disturbing than that, was the fans in the Kingdome. When Joey Galloway caught his first pass since last year, they actually applauded this guy. That’s not to mention the banners hanging around saying things like “We love you Joey.” Well, Seattle, he loves you too. Your money that is.

Come on people, don’t applaud the ones who want more millions. Anyway, the Hawks were doing just fine without him. But if I know the Hawks like I do, they will lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Better luck next year Joey $ Galloway. Greg Rose Spokane

WSU FOOTBALL

QB no easy job

I’m writing to voice my disappointment in the actions of Cougars fans directed at quarterback Steve Birnbaum.

At the USC game (Nov. 13), Birnbaum was bombarded with boos and other negative comments each time he took the field. Yes, Birnbaum has had a rough time; however, I doubt many of the 23,000-odd fans who were in attendance have ever played quarterback.

I have played quarterback. Even though I have only played at the high school level, I appreciate the efforts of all quarterbacks. All day Saturday, I listened to people who talked as if they were All-American quarterbacks in their sporting years.

I just wish fans would appreciate the efforts of Birnbaum, and that people would try to put themselves in the quarterback’s shoes and see it’s a lot tougher than it looks. Anthony Buergel Tekoa, Wash.

Writers fail history test

John Blanchette and Carter Strickland need to review their playbooks.

While reporting on the WSU-USC game, they left out an important part of the Cougars mantra. Strickland managed to work in the Hail Mary play in the long-past Arizona game, even elevating the call from “controversial” to absolute statement of fact “blown call,” and, of course, the boys were able to shift some blame for Saturday’s loss onto the officials once again. Fine so far.

The WSU Rose Bowl team of two seasons ago was also mentioned, but no one brought up the alleged lost seconds that would absolutely have led to a Cougars win in that ancient game, and which have become so much a part of Cougars lore. Come on guys, you’re slipping. Terry Griner Spokane

Mencke wasted

Why would a quarterback recruit want to go to WSU? Once coach Mike Price has made his selection - only his guy gets any game time. Steve Birnbaum and Paul Mencke had similar numbers in the Oregon game. Mencke had a touchdown, Birnbaum didn’t. So who plays the USC game - Birnbaum. Why? Why didn’t Mencke get to see any playing time?

I can’t wait to not watch or go to any WSU games next year. The team will have a quarterback with no game experience. Mencke was never given a chance to mature and Jason Gesser was injured.

I am surprised that Coach Price has not tried to find a winning combination. He certainly could not lose any more games by testing all the talent available. Larry L. Snyder Spokane