Even if Garrett Did It, Is It Really That Bad?

When I read the article “Garrett Caught in Trojan Blitz” [March 5] to my wife, we had the same reaction: boys getting together to attack the chief and being taken advantage of by a newspaper reporter in the process.

Having watched USC football for about 30 years, I can say that I have rarely seen a more talented team with less focus and more underachieving results than during these last few years. If this is not a reflection of the coaching, as I had always assumed, then it must be a reflection of the players themselves. Rather than blame the AD, the coaches, the water boy or whomever, perhaps they should look at themselves as sharing in the blame for any inability to reach their goals.

Who are the remainder of my football Trojans, men or crybabies?

XAVIER J. CARO

Northridge

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During the last five football seasons, I have frequently been with or near Mike Garrett on the sidelines or in the locker room, and occasionally at practice. I never once heard or observed personal denigration of a player or coach, but did often hear words of encouragement.

C.J. PINGS

Pasadena

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Clearly, the blitz was on, and the blitzer was the L.A. Times. Let’s see, football season is over, the Lakers are mediocre, ditto the Kings, baseball is in the preseason, so how are we going to get anyone to read the sports section? As usual, The Times found the old reliable answer: “Let’s stir the proverbial pot at USC.” I mean really, how dare Mike Garrett get verbally upset over the lackluster performance of the very mediocre SC football team?

DAVE BRUBAKER

Marina del Rey

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I haven’t seen any follow-up on the Mike Garrett story. What’s up? Have you let up on your Trojan bashing? Could it be that we were hoaxed that day? Do we need Kenneth Starr to reopen the case?

ARTHUR LEWIS

Dana Point

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The one-sided bashing of our athletic director, Mike Garrett, on March 5 was an unfair and inaccurate characterization.

There are 19 Division I sports at USC. Mike Garrett is deeply and positively in all of our programs, including recruiting, NCAA issues and fund-raising. His attendance at our competitions is supportive and important to our athletes. Mike meets with all of us and our athletes and has made it clear that he wants USC to excel in every sport.

Mike is our ally and willing to help us fight any battle. We appreciate him for his leadership. We wanted to set the record straight.

THE HEAD COACHES

OF USC’S 19 VARSITY SPORTS