No Place Like Rome’s

Did Peter McAlevey actually listen to Jim Rome before writing “King of the Jungle” (Nov. 23)? Rome’s show is a four-hour justification of why athletes are worth millions--and that we fans just don’t “get it.” He’s simply an apologist for high-priced choke artists such as Mike Piazza, Eric Karros and the other two or three athletes he kisses up to daily. One of his interviews has the velocity of a Larry King softball to Ross Perot on NAFTA.

Rome had his moments of fame, much of them on his backside, compliments of Jim Everett.

Nick Antonicello

Venice

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In Rome’s jungle, anyone over 35 is a fossil unworthy of respect. I’ll have to check in with him in a few years, when he’s losing his hair and getting thick around the middle, and see whether his narrow-mindedness has changed.

Rome has much more in common with Jerry Springer and Jenny Jones than he does with Dick Schapp and Frank Deford. Years from now, when the names of highly respected sportscasters and commentators are mentioned, Rome’s name probably will elicit a “Jim who?”

Dan Witt

Studio City

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Rome may not be the best sports figure in radio, even though, like many of his colleagues, he comes to the studio each day fully prepared--a thorough professional with a great voice. But the big difference is just that--he’s different. He tried something new, taking a chance at an approach that could have resulted in failure, and he succeeded. His innovation and creativity have been rewarded.

Earl Eager Albert

Temple City