In Trojan War of the Words, Garrett Is the Latest Casualty

Mr. Garrett, the recent news to come out of Heritage Hall [“Garrett Caught in Trojan Blitz,” March 5] is extremely disturbing, yet not unexpected. During your tenure, there have been numerous scandals concerning our student-athletes and serious allegations of misconduct on the administration’s behalf that have plagued the athletic department and we have been surpassed as the school with the most NCAA championships by our cross-town rival.

More shocking, however, is the news that prospective football players were “steered” away from SC. Is it a coincidence that UCLA has garnered the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation?

Any individual, if he considers himself a true leader, must always assume the responsibility of the actions of the people he oversees. As a result, I can only make one recommendation: If you are truly a Trojan, then you will do what is honorable and step down and allow USC to regain its stature.

MURALI TEGULAPALLE, Los Angeles

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Mike Garrett has not only shown his immaturity in tantrums against Trojan athletes, he has left his seat to face off with fans in the student section. It isn’t uncommon for this wannabe dictator to approach heckling (but not unruly) students during home basketball games.

Fans don’t like Garrett. Students don’t like Garrett. Players don’t like Garrett. Who does?

PAUL CICALA, Los Angeles

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Whether it is USC or UCLA bashing, the L.A. Times continues to be the “Hard Copy” of the local papers. If the only sports “stories” that The Times can publish are the investigative tabloid variety, then it may be time to look for some new outlets.

As long as The Times continues to sell papers with ripping headlines and negative commentary, the local high school students will continue to leave the state, which I guess leads to the kind of stories you want to publish. Criticism is one thing, but this ongoing agenda has gone too far.

LEE REAMS, Calabasas

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“Mike has been nothing but in my corner,” [USC Coach Paul] Hackett said. “I can assure you Mike and I will be on the same page when it comes to how to motivate the team.”

A bit of advice to you, Coach Hackett. Keep the athletic director in your corner, but outside of the ring. Furthermore, keep the athletic director working on the “same page” in his office at Heritage Hall.

WAYNE MURAMATSU, Cerritos

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Keep Garrett at Southern Cal! I like what Athletic Director Mike Garrett is doing for their sports program. Should I mention that I’m a big UCLA fan?

ALEX KASEBERG, San Diego