Readers Column as They See Them

It’s always a pleasure to read Jim Murray’s column, even the recycled ones (“Heisman Voters No Prophets,” Nov. 21). I now regard his annual diatribe about the failure of Heisman winners once they reach the pro ranks as a holiday tradition. In many cases he is right about the shortsightedness of the selections, as in the cases of Gary Beban, Pat Sullivan and Charlie Ward, to name a few. And he is good enough to remind that pro stars, like Jim Brown and Troy Aikman, didn’t win the award.

But he should also pony up with the names of the players who beat them out in their respective years. Jim Brown lost out to Paul Hornung, who went on to a modest pro career. Paul not deserving, was he, Jim? Aikman lost out to Barry Sanders, one of the best running backs at any level. Really an injustice there, hey Jim?

Give us the whole story next year.

BOB SCHAUER

Long Beach

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In Jim Murray’s column on Greg Norman (Nov. 14), it is said that thousands had written condolences to Norman after he blew a lead in the Masters. Apparently, many did not realize that Norman had tried to get Mark McCumber disqualified in a previous tournament for fixing a spike mark. Officials said McCumber was legally picking up a piece of debris.

When Norman blew the Masters, it was justice rewarded.

HOWIE KEEFE

Marina del Rey