Michael, Go Ahead and Wear Whatever Number You Like Now

Let’s see if I have this right. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls get fined $25,000 for inspiring his teammates and Bulls’ fans everywhere by switching his jersey number and $5,000 more for wearing white shoes--both egregious violations of NBA “policy”--and other players are fined half that much for belligerent, aggressive acts involving other players and, at times, spectators.

Would someone please send a wake-up call to the commissioner’s office? It’s time to put the apparel police to pasture and focus on mitigating the real outlaw images in the NBA.

BRUCE JAGAROSOVICH

Carson

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A picture appears in the newspaper of Dennis Rodman lying down on the floor “relaxing” while the Spurs’ game is finishing up. And Rodman receives no sanctions whatsoever for blond, green or pink hair, plus his abundance of tattoos?

Another picture shows Charles Barkley pouting on the sideline because of his poor performance. If Barkley has a cold hand, can he not encourage his teammates? Does he have to be the focal point of his team’s success?

We are punishing a true role model in Michael Jordan, while enabling individualistic and immature players.

Where is the justice? And what values are major sports trying to instill?

JACK MATHEWS

San Pedro

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The Michael Jordan shoe/number controversy once and for all explains the title of the book about him: There are no rules for Michael Jordan.

ALAN MATIS

Woodland Hills