Forget Everett, Rome’s Comment Is an Insult to Women in Sports

Is it not surprising to find the “male jock mentality” so alive and well in the world of athletics? Jim Rome’s labeling of former Ram quarterback Jim Everett as cowardly by nicknaming him “Chris” Everett is part of an all-too-familiar pattern. It characterizes male athletes as “weak” by referring to them as girls. In fact, The Times called the reference “an obvious affront to Everett’s manhood.”

The news media choose to focus upon the spectacle of the event without ever focusing on Rome’s behavior as objectionably archaic and demeaning. I have coached female athletes for many years and have witnessed tremendous tenacity, courage, skill and commitment. The tennis playing “Chris” has impressed millions with her ability and her particularly tough attitude. Perhaps someday soon we may actually be able to say that the days of imagined male superiority and its attendant underlying male insecurity are truly a thing of the past.

KING SCHOFIELD

Hawthorne

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The underlying point that has been completely overlooked with regard to the Rome-Everett incident is the fact that Rome called Everett “Chris” to degrade him. As a high school teacher, it troubles me that this issue of men being degraded by being called a woman has not been addressed. In fact, it has been reinforced by this incident. Both of these men have a great impact on my students, male and female.

The media and people in the spotlight need to become aware of the impact they have on the youth of this country and work toward ending this type of sexist reinforcement. Both of these men should be so lucky to possess the athletic ability and class that Chris Evert does.

If Jim Rome was a real man, he would not call men “women” as a means to degrade. If Jim Everett was a real man, he would have said, “Thank you.”

TRACY ROSS

Foothill Ranch

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I want to applaud Jim Everett on his actions with Jim Rome. Jim Everett was a complete gentleman and Jim Rome deserved it.

CHRISTINE ANDERSON

Monarch Beach

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You know, I never thought I would say this, but I wish I was in Jim Everett’s shoes.

JACK E. DeBAUN

Lakewood

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It would have been better if Jim Rome had said “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have baited Jim Everett that way, and I apologize.” He has lost a fan--me.

JEAN EDWARDS

West Covina

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You’re a big man, Jim. First you run away from opponents so you get benched and traded for a seventh-round pick. Then you get mad because the media tell the truth about you and you attack a sportscaster.

You’re now an example for my kids. I tell them not to be like Jim Everett when they grow up. Good riddance.

KIM L. OLSON

Calabasas