You Can’t Change Rules (or T.J., for That Matter)

Two quick thoughts on the NFL.

1. It’s not the officials; it’s the rules. So simplify the game. No more of this “ground can’t cause a fumble” business. If the ball comes loose before the whistle blows, it’s a fumble--period. Get rid of “breaking the plane of the goal line” too. To score a touchdown, you must get the ball into the end zone, fully across the line. And who cares if the receiver is juggling the ball in bounds, so long as he comes down with it securely in his arms? Simplify!

2. If the 12-4 49ers meet the 10-6 Cowboys in the playoffs, the game will be in San Francisco, right? Wrong. Why? Because a wild-card team cannot host a game against a division champion. This is stupid. Why penalize the 49ers for their great season, simply because all of Dallas’ divisional opponents stink and gave them the NFC East by default? A divisional title should get you into the playoffs, and that’s all. The team with the better record should always host a playoff game.

THOMAS E. BRAUN, Littlerock

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If there is anything good about the NFL season coming to a close, it’s that we won’t have to read any more cynical, Gen-X rantings of T.J. Simers. In his latest attempt at securing the coveted “Reporter Most Unlike Jim Murray Trophy,” Slimers says this about the Eagles in his rankings: “Irving Fryar scores a touchdown. Didn’t know he was still playing.” This pretty much sums up what T.J. is all about--classless and mean-spirited.

Question: How many complaining letters does it take to get Simers demoted back to the mailroom?

Answer: Exactly 10,000. Let’s start pushing those pens, people. Only 300 to go. We can do it.

GREGG FREEMAN, Newbury Park