Padres and Morality

The Times editorial (“No Joy in Padreville as Magic of ’84 Turns Sour,” Sept. 7) against the Padres owner completely failed to recognize and address the moral problem that is overwhelming our society. Professional athletes with high visibility and high salaries must set a healthy example.

Instead, they look like a bunch of spoiled, incompetent, foulmouthed, childish, slovenly, self-indulgent, socially irresponsible substance abusers. There may be better team owners from a sports point of view, but there is none better from the point of view of what society needs to accomplish in our fight against drugs and alcohol.

The sports “heroes” of today have failed to show moral strength when we desperately need strong examples, and The Times is aiding and abetting this unfortunate situation. The players unions are gutless, spineless and worthless in their stands against drug and alcohol controls. Then the athletes choose to hide behind “union agreements.”

I hope that in the off-season, The Times realizes the proper perspective on this issue and supports Joan Kroc’s initiative as the only positive solution being promoted at this time.

ANTHONY NEWLIN ST. JOHN

San Diego