A Violent Threat to Good Interviews

Re Howard Rosenberg on Jim Rome/Jim Everett (“Can’t Put Down C-SPAN’s ‘Booknotes,’ ” April 8):

It is interesting to me that Rosenberg has no qualms about endorsing Everett’s physical violence against someone he (Rosenberg) obviously doesn’t like--Rome. Would his attitude be the same if the victim were someone whom he admired?

I wonder if Rosenberg has made the effort to watch any more of Rome’s work other than the “bite” that was shown after the Everett incident. I have. As an avid radio-sports talk-show listener (and Rome fan), I sometimes find Rome’s style juvenile and annoying. Most often, I find his interviews of sports personalities incisive, probing and significantly more interesting and informative than the pap usually presented by the likes of Jim Hill, Stu Nahan and the rest of the “established reporters” in the Los Angeles market.

Rome misjudged the situation when he began his interview with Everett, but a least he had the courage to say the same things directly to Everett that he says on the radio. Most other interviewers take the hypocritical path and do not. Everett came into the studio knowing Rome’s style; he was not blindsided. It seems apparent that he had chosen Rome’s show to be his final opportunity in Los Angeles to dispel the widespread criticism of his recent performances on the field.

If this incident impairs Rome’s career in the L.A. market, we listeners and viewers will be less informed and entertained, and that would be unfortunate.

PHILIP V. MANN

Pasadena

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As a former coach and teacher, I’m amazed at what has happened to “sportsmanship” in recent years. The trend is on “in-your-face bravado” and “trash” or “smack” talk.

Rome, in his recent clash with Everett, is an example. Rome’s reputation seems to be built on encouraging the movement away from any form of sportsmanship. He rewards the outlandish; he is outlandish. He is the unquestionable ambassador of “smack” talk.

I’m amazed that a quality network like ESPN doesn’t see that this trend is not a healthy one. They should replace Rome with a host who understands the meaning of the term and take steps to reverse the trend. It’s past time!

JAMES T. JOHNSON JR.

Newport Beach