Maybe the Referee Should Play It Safe

Jim Murray in his March 21 column, on the Ruddock-Tyson fight, put a cheap shot on referee Richard Steele. How could Murray see Ruddock’s eyes were clear and that he was out of danger? And how could he imply that Steele was protecting Don King?

In 1980, Johnny Owen, a game bantamweight, was in trouble in a fight with champion Lupe Pintor, a dangerous puncher. The referee allowed the fight to continue for that one last punch the crowd wanted to see.

If Steele had refereed that fight, Owen would be alive today.

AL HASSON

West Los Angeles