No Plea Bargaining From This Dream Team

In a week when Southern Cal went 2-0 vs. California (University of and People of), the football program was taught a lesson by its famous alum. With Johnson under investigation by the NCAA and Walters, Ifeanyi and Herrin suspended for taking thousands of dollars from an agent, Robinson and company have taken the low road. The school (and I use that term loosely) has decided that these professional players can regain their mythical student-athlete status by simply returning the money. The lesson: Why shoot for innocence when you can buy “not guilty”?

TIM McOSKER

Long Beach

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Ever since the days of your reporter, Dick Hyland, the Los Angeles Times has been trying to do a number on USC’s sports program. On the other hand, UCLA is always given top first-page coverage. Consistent with this anti-USC attitude, Gene Wojciechowski, on Oct. 5, is trying to claim that Coach Robinson has embarrassed the alumni, whom he alleges “wonders why Robinson did not know a thing about the alleged payments to Shawn Walters, Errick Herrin and Israel Ifeanyi.” As a USC alum, I can assure you I am not embarrassed. I am proud of John Robinson, Walters, Herrin and Ifeanyi.

JOHN SANFORD TODD

Lakewood

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What other school would bring back a man who had already caused the school to be placed on probation twice within seven years? USC wants to win football games so badly that it takes Al Davis’ favorite saying, “Just win, baby,” to a whole different and ridiculous level.

It is just a matter of time before John Robinson causes USC to get slapped with a death penalty by the NCAA.

ERIC CORONA

Placentia