Criticism of Simers: This Time It’s Personal

How can you justify giving T.J. Simers a paycheck for the trash he writes? His review of last week’s Jets-Colts game was more about his personal opinion of New Jersey than the game. Next time, T.J., try expanding your travel beyond Newark Airport, the Secaucus Marriott and Giants Stadium. That would be like flying someone from New Jersey out here and having them spend the weekend at the Arco refinery in Carson.

BILL THROPP

Hermosa Beach

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T.J. Simers has again proven what has long been suspected: His knowledge of pro football is elementary at best. The evidence is overwhelming and in his own words.

Upset of the week: Cincinnati over Green Bay. Result: Green Bay wins, 13-6, holding the Bengals to 170 yards in offense.

Potential star of the week: Jeff George. Result: George throws three interceptions and the Raiders are dominated by the Broncos.

Stiff of the week: Natrone Means. Result: Means rushes for 165 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown run.

No-doubt game: The Jaguars will win by three points or less. Result: Jaguars win by 14.

Game of the week: Miami vs. Pittsburgh. Result: Miami cruises and Kordell Stewart looks like he belongs back in college, throwing against the likes of Baylor.

Please, T.J., no more fearless predictions.

JAMES SIEPLER

La Canada

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You quoted NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in last Saturday’s paper, concerning pro football in Los Angeles, as saying, “I have no doubt the interest is there. . . . The one thing that’s been missing is a specific idea about their own team that is concrete and has some sense of immediacy about it. Once you get that, it will be like a spark and the interest will emerge.”

I will now translate with my super-secret pro football decoder ring.

I have no doubt: Cash gets my attention.

Interest: What the owners will derive from the sizable down payment on the team. Notice it is used twice.

Concrete: New stadium built from public funds, chock full of luxury boxes, PSLs, and big screen videos.

Sense: Use common sense and don’t invite Al Davis. He ruins all our parties.

Spark: Owners rushing to banks to cash down payment.

Emerge: A rise in local television ratings.

BOB ARRANAGA JR.

Pasadena