New Vocabulary Words: Honor and Commitment

Interesting comments by Bill Plaschke in his Sunday Scene column. In discussing Peyton Manning’s decision to stay and play his senior season at Tennessee, Plaschke comments, “Why is he . . . more honorable than somebody who leaves school early for the same reason [to play football]?”

He goes on to state that Manning must want the Heisman Trophy or the national championship or to stay away from Bill Parcells.

Maybe Plaschke has been a sportswriter too long. In the real world, loyalty, upholding your commitments and personal responsibility are more honorable than breaking your commitments and discarding loyalty in order to make millions of dollars--earlier than you will anyway.

This is not to say the student who leaves early for those millions is dishonorable, but is Peyton Manning more honorable by staying? You bet.

DAVID DANIEL

Moreno Valley

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Regarding Bill Plaschke’s Sunday Scene, I realized he needs a dictionary.

Peyton Manning agreed to play football for four years at Tennessee in return for a scholarship.

Coach Phil Fulmer said it was about loyalty and commitment.

I’m afraid Plaschke has lived in the O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson, Albert Belle sewer too long.

LARRY SULLIVAN

Venice

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Bill Plaschke should be ashamed of himself for his cynical posturing in the Sunday Scene regarding Peyton Manning’s passing up of the NFL draft.

Sure, Manning could have made a fortune by turning pro, but obviously he must value his parents’ and teachers’ opinions more than yours, and I don’t believe it’s just to get himself a Heisman Trophy.

Obviously, Mr. Plaschke has been covering professional sports way too long. It is about time he learned not everyone is asking, “Show me the money.”

JULIE T. BYERS

Temple City