Where Was Plaschke When Eric Needed Him?

I would like to thank Bill Plaschke for the article he wrote about me [Jan. 30]. But I would also like to respond to a few things.

I live in L.A. My business is in L.A. I love L.A.

That said, I’d like to admit that I did make mistakes when I played. Certainly, there are things that I wish I had done differently. As Bill Plaschke points out, so much was about timing. I don’t think any of us were prepared, at that time, for the business of football. I didn’t have the circle of advisors that athletes have now. I could have used them!

My contract negotiations were tempestuous, to say the least, but I honestly needed to secure my future. Football players live on an edge where their next play may be their last.

I am very proud that my accomplishments here helped pave the way into the Hall of Fame. I want to say thank you to all the fans that supported me throughout my career.

People ask me if I have anything to contribute to football. I believe I do--as a game and a business. We all learned something.

ERIC DICKERSON, Los Angeles