Athletic Program Cuts at UCI Unfair

Your editorial regarding athletics at UC Irvine (“Fair Play at Last in Collegiate Athletics,” June 7) neglected to mention “sportspersonship.” The arguments regarding gender equity and spending limits are important. But there was no fair play for the male athletes whose programs were cut at UCI.

The notice was given to the athletes on the Monday before finals. There was no hint that the track program was going to be dropped. Athletes learn from their earliest competitions that playing fair is more important than winning. The school administration did not play fair. If Title IX was passed 20 years ago, why did they wait until now to react?

Is it fair to the athletes who must now scramble to transfer to another school if they want to continue to compete? Is it fair to announce this right before finals? Is it fair to the minority athletes who will not get a chance to attend UCI? Is it fair to the women’s track program at UCI?

The track program at UCI is essentially a co-ed program and generates its strength because of the gender equality. Take away that positive aspect and the program will suffer.

Given the opportunity, the coaches and athletes at UCI could work out an equitable solution for everyone. These are the people used to playing fair. The administration should give the problem to the people affected. There is still time for such a move.

ELLIOTT KALLICK, Huntington Beach