Unsportsmanlike Trend

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

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. It 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