Respecting the Anthem

I agree with Howard Rosenberg and the late Howard Cosell, et al, that the playing of the national anthem at sporting events is an anachronism (“Standing Up to a Sports Tradition,” March 18). Rosenberg presents an excellent case for discontinuing the practice, with which I have no argument. The point is, though, that the practice exists and while it is impossible to demand that a participant respect the anthem, it is not unreasonable that he or she be enjoined from displaying a flagrant, blatant disrespect.

That said, since praying apparently is meaningful to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, the compromise reached seems a very satisfactory one.

PAUL KNEIPP

Los Angeles