It’s Simers-Leaf II: Poison Pen vs. Arm

I never thought I’d be saying this, but T.J. Simers’ article on Ryan Leaf [Oct. 10] was a brilliant piece of sportswriting.

It was funny, clever and relentless, but more important, Simers explored the larger issues that underlay his subject, and did so in an entertaining way. Ryan Leaf looks more and more like the latest self-involved, egomaniacal brat to come down the road--truly a man to root against in every way--but his childish behavior has been nurtured as much as his talent. Is there any doubt that the Chargers are not helping this young man by allowing him to behave the way he does and repeatedly glossing over it? I hope Bobby Beathard read Simers’ article. Leaf’s maturity on the field could get a boost if he attained some in other places.

JOHN C. RICHARDS, Los Angeles

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I have never met Ryan Leaf or T.J. Simers. Having watched Leaf’s now infamous press conference, however, and read Simers’ article, I suspect I like Leaf better.

Leaf’s behavior at least appears to be driven by disappointment in himself and the desire to do better. Simers, on the other hand, seems driven only by the desire to make someone else appear worse.

J.R. GIFFORD, Rancho Palos Verdes

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After listening to the Raiders-Chargers game on the radio and then reading T.J. Simers’ article on the game, I am convinced that the game was the worst ever played in the history of the NFL. I would like to applaud The Times’ decision to further denigrate football fans by assigning the worst football reporter in the history of the NFL to cover it.

(Editors: Feel free to publish this letter, among the likely tens of thousands critical of Simers you must have received this week alone, alongside one of the two or three computer-generated pro-Simers letters you regularly get from his family members and therapists, in order to try to convince the reading public that there’s an even split of opinion about this guy.)

D. JAY RITT, Pasadena

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With writers like Simers around, is it any wonder that some players--including the otherwise indefensible Ryan Leaf--choose not to answer certain writers’ questions?

VIKEN MOURADIAN, Glendale

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No one is talking about the real tragedy of no football in Los Angeles. Without a team to cover, The Times grabbed a map and discovered the San Diego Chargers were next closest in proximity. I can’t pick up the paper without learning far more than I would like about Kevin Gilbride, Bobby Beathard and their petulant but nevertheless boring quarterback. I realize the Chargers are the last line of defense from Arizona Cardinal coverage, but still, seriously, nobody cares.

TOM FLYNN, Sherman Oaks