Playing Sociopolitical Football

J.A. Adande has a perfect right to take whatever political stance he wants on affirmative action and any other social or political issue [“File Away Conspiracy Theories,” Dec. 10]. So does every member of the UCLA football team or any other team. But I totally disagree with him that players should be allowed to express their feelings on the football field. That’s not the place for players to advance their political and social agendas.

BILL STAMPS, Cerritos

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I’m getting sick and tired of being preached to by your young new columnist, Adande. And I fault whoever made the decision to not only let him write this one-sided piece, but give it Page 1 play.

BOB WOLCOTT, Glendale

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Somebody goofed. They put J.A. Adande’s article in the sports section instead of on the editorial page.

GORDON MASON, Brentwood

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As president of the undergraduate student body at UCLA, I am proud of the student-athletes on our football team who wanted to use their opportunity in the national spotlight to draw attention to the plight of others less fortunate. Brendon Ayanbadejo’s comments to J.A. Adande demonstrated that UCLA is producing intelligent and compassionate student-athletes, who recognize the social responsibilities that go along with being viewed as role models.

STACY HAE LIM LEE, Westwood

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Suggestion to Bruin football players:

The next time you feel compelled to make a political or fashion statement on the field, forget armbands and wristbands. Why not wear something more appropriate: chokers.

BOB OETTINGER, Agoura Hills