Forget the Game: What About the Coach?

During this holiday season, John Robinson should give thanks for John Cooper, the only football coach in America who has choked in more big games. But Trojan fans, take heart. Be patient. John Robinson is a proven coach with a winning record, an ability to recruit top athletes and a great motivational speaker. Now is not the time to change coaches . . . but then again, I’m a Bruin fan.

DAVID ALLEN TYAU

Pasadena

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Based on everything I’ve ever known about John Robinson, I believe him to be a truly classy person. In the greater scheme of things, I know he’ll get a higher place in heaven than most of us. But, dammit, I’d sure like to get a winning program back to USC.

C.J. HORN

Twentynine Palms

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To all you John Robinson bashers, time to get real. Robinson did not fumble the ball and the game away. He did not allow the Bruins to score 17 points in the last six minutes. And he wasn’t the one who couldn’t kick a field goal over his own offensive line.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go out and check on the Bruin who is washing the windows in my guest house.

RICHARD CARL

Palm Desert

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USC defensive tackle Darrell Russell threatens a mass exodus of the players if Robinson is fired. Gentlemen, there is the door, close it when you leave.

Larry Smith might not have been able to recruit like Robinson, but he did defeat UCLA--and manage a few more Rose Bowl appearances with what little he had.

JAMES R. FIELDS II

Lake View Terrace

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As a Trojan football supporter for almost four decades now, I was wondering: Has Lou Holtz found a job yet?

BILL PIERCY

Torrance

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At this point, John Robinson doesn’t need a loophole. He needs a foxhole.

RONALD D. HALPERN

Laguna Niguel

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Mike Downey on Nov. 24: “I would have thought even a John Robinson football team could hold a 17-point lead.”

Mike Downey on Nov. 25: “What was it that possessed Robinson to send a 5-foot-7 running back into the middle of UCLA’s defensive line?” As though fumbling is determined by height.

Having taken down UCLA’s Jim Harrick, is The Times now trying to continue to suggest that cheap-shot journalism is the same as investigative journalism by trying to cost Robinson his job?

MANNY WEISBORD

Hermosa Beach

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I wonder who cares more about the well-being of USC football players--Mike Downey or John Robinson?

MARK SMITH

Rolling Hills

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Mike Downey, too bad your editor doesn’t hold you to the same standard by which you would judge John Robinson. Write a bad column and you are fired. You do not dismiss a coach less than one year after he wins the Rose Bowl.

In my opinion, the whole get-rid-of-John-Robinson movement is fueled by the anti-USC faction at the (UC)LA Times.

VICKI SAGE

Upland

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John Robinson is the only bright spot in a program that has been struggling for more than a decade. His previous record with the Trojans is impeccable. This season has been beset with injuries and off-the-field problems that are out of his control.

You are only as good as your players, and Larry Smith left the cupboard bare.

The reason recruits are flocking to USC is not because of all their victories in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it is because of John Robinson. Fight On, John!

DAVID ARVIDSON

Huntington Beach

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Ted Tollner and Larry Smith--where are you now that USC needs you?

ERNIE KREILING

Indian Wells

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John Robinson took over the program from Larry Smith, who might have run it into the ground if given the chance. Next season the roster will be 100% J.R. recruits. Provided we don’t have any more major controversies, we will have a banner year, just like last year.

DAN STRULL

Woodland Hills

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What kind of a world are we living in when a coach as special as John Robinson is unappreciated?

John Robinson is USC football. Go to Heritage Hall one day and watch him interact with students. They love him and look up to him like a father. Ask Keyshawn Johnson if you don’t believe me.

BRIAN RAPP

Santa Monica

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As a UCLA season-ticket holder since 1976, I would like to know where should I send my contribution to the “Keep John Robinson as USC Football Coach “ fund. I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun for six years.

GREG PESKAY

Valencia

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John Robinson should have heeded the words of the great Roman philosopher Publius, who, in the first century, said: “Never promise more than you can perform.”

DAVID PAGE

Ventura

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Cheer up, John! There may be a spot for you in St. Louis.

JANN GATH

Long Beach