This Battery Keeps Going and Going and Going . . .

It is not major news that an overpaid basketball player is sorry he assaulted his coach. Everyone expected some form of apology. However, Latrell Sprewell’s defense for his attack by comparing it to “what would happen on the street” is ludicrous and insulting to common decency. Mr. Sprewell, please try to comprehend that your view of “proper street behavior” doesn’t even belong on the street.

First: Dump the race card. I personally have neither bought nor owned a slave in my life and don’t know anyone who has.

Second: This country, albeit imperfect, offers far too many opportunities for anyone to cry about their lot in life. Stop bellyaching and apply yourself.

Third: You don’t like your boss? Quit. Find another job. It doesn’t matter if you make minimum wage or $25 million a year. If enough people agree with your assessment of your boss and they also quit, your boss will eventually be looking for another job. If your assessment is not a majority opinion, what do you care? You’ll be much happier in a new environment.

Fourth: Remember, it is never appropriate to take physical action. It’s against the law and shows an incredible lack of self-control. Thug behavior cannot be tolerated.

ROB HEGEL

Los Angeles

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I was somewhat interested to hear Sprewell’s side of the story--until I learned of Johnnie Cochran’s involvement. Then I knew Latrell’s case was without merit.

CLARK W. BAKER

Los Angeles

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The harsh penalty given to Latrell Sprewell was not because of his race. Ask yourself: Had he done the same thing, would the same penalty have been given to Christian Laettner? Yes. Would the same penalty have been given to Michael Jordan? I don’t think so.

KEN JAFFE

Los Angeles

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Would someone please let Mr. Cochran know that the phrase “rush to judgment” turns the public off to whatever snake oil he is selling?

SHANE REILLY

Corona

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Bill Plaschke’s article regarding the Latrell Sprewell situation illustrates to me that Mr. Plaschke is the one who doesn’t get it. My question to Mr. Plaschke is this, what does Sprewell have to do to gain your favor? Crawl and beg for forgiveness, donate his life’s earning to the Vatican, walk through a public square to be cursed and stoned?

Further, you, and most of white America, need to get over the O.J. trial. Calling Johnnie Cochran a “thug attorney” is racist, demeaning, and illustrates your lack of class.

NATHAN WEBB

Ann Arbor, Mich.

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With the focus on violence in the workplace at numerous companies in California, Latrell Sprewell and Johnnie Cochran have the audacity to state that the punishment is excessive.

Having worked in a close relationship with human resources departments, I can only say that if Mr. Sprewell would have been employed in a less high-profile position he would not only be fired from his job but also be in jail for assault and uttering threats against his supervisor.

He should count his blessings that the coach did not desire prosecution. A case that the prosecutor would have plea-bargained out to probation anyway. America, what a country!

DIRK DEWACHTER

Playa Del Rey

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If I choked my boss, I’d get fired; so did Latrell. If I had a problem with anger, I’d have to seek professional counseling; so should Latrell. If my boss were a high-profile person, I might have trouble getting my next job. I might even have to work in a field that I am not accustomed to working in, for a lot less money, or take some time off to get my life back in order; so should Latrell.

STEVE LIPMAN

Foster City

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If anyone were to verbally abuse me for being a Jew, if anyone were to verbally abuse me for being black, if anyone were to verbally abuse me for any reason, when the program calls for cooperation and courtesy, I would kick their butt too.

LYNN EDGAR ROSS

Sonoma

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After reading numerous stories on the incident, it was Charles Barkley’s comment that the players are ready to boycott the All-Star game in support of Sprewell that really irked me. The thing to do is for the fans to boycott all sports activities until these spoiled players realize their violent behavior is totally unacceptable.

JOAN SIEGEL

Studio City

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After reading the comments of such distinguished men of integrity as sports agent Arn Tellem, politician Willie Brown and mercenary attorney-for-hire Johnnie Cochran, I must say that I’m shocked and appalled at P.J. Carlesimo’s unprovoked and violent use of his neck to attack poor Latrell Sprewell’s hands (not just one hand, mind you, but both of them). And to think, P.J. then used telekinesis to force Latrell back into the gym 20 minutes later so he could further assault Latrell’s hands, throwing the bodies of assistant coaches at Latrell to do him greater harm.

CURT MATSUNE

Walnut

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As a school counselor, I recommend that Latrell Sprewell write 100 times: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

ALAN MATIS

Sherman Oaks