This New Affliction Is Called A-Rod Rage

That’s it. It’s over (the top). I’m outta here. Adios. The Alex Rodriguez contract is the last straw. Too bad--he really seems like a nice young man.

Time to take stock:

* I’ve put up with knowing it takes me 30-40% of every new NBA, NFL, or major league baseball season (provided there is not a strike or lockout) to figure out who the heck is on which team. Not to mention the NHL, which I can’t even begin to sort out until the Stanley Cup finals.

* I’ve put up with knowing that going to a game these days means Hamburger Helper for a week for most people. (Unless you want to sit in another time zone at the game. I mean, really, from the cheap seats at Staples Center you could have helped the space shuttle astronauts deploy the solar wings for the space station. Not to mention, almost paid for them with the total value of Monday’s baseball signings.)

* I’ve put up with knowing the poor attitudes, trash talking, showboating and mangled English speaking of today’s athletes has trickled down to the high school level. Heck, let’s make that elementary school.

* I’ve put up with knowing that municipalities are sinking billions of tax dollars into stadium construction and ticket sales guarantees.

* I’ve even put up with knowing that USC can’t win in football and it appears UCLA won’t fare much better in basketball.

Yes, even after all that I still called myself a sports fan. But no more. Things are crazy. There is, however, one thing I remain proud of as a Los Angeles sports fan. I’m very happy we have not yet acquiesced to the NFL in its requests for our tax dollars in return for the dubious privilege of having one of its franchises bear our city’s name.

Is the XFL really that crazy an idea? Maybe not.

CHRIS KING

Hermosa Beach

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Are all athletes worth what they are paid? No way, not even close. The average athlete riding the bench is way overpaid. He or she does not bring one person to the ballpark, stadium, court or course.

There are, however, professional athletes who earn their weight in gold. These athletes work on a kind of commission basis. Yes, I’m referring to tennis players, golfers, boxers and any other professional athletes who get paid on the basis of their performances. If they win, they make the money. If they lose consistently, they will soon be out of a job.

LOUIS H. ABRAMSON

Westlake Village