A Rush to Judgment on This Commentary

I found Bill Dwyre’s latest article about JaRon Rush [Dec. 26] particularly worrisome, and without any particular point. In an age where the integrity of college sports is continually assaulted with illegal activity, where student-athletes are more athlete than any kind of student, the rule of law is all the more important.

We shouldn’t quietly ridicule and ignore the process of investigation, as Mr. Dwyre’s flippant views seem to suggest. Instead, we should place every instance of illegal activity under the microscope. Lawlessness should not be tolerated. I am a UCLA student and giant basketball fan, but if Rush took money illegally, I don’t want him on my team.

Mr. Dwyre goes on to ask questions as to why the U.S. Attorney’s office is involved, why they are flying from college to college, Mr. Dwyre asking “Aren’t there any rapists, robbers, or murderers in Kansas City?” Unfortunately, I am sure there are. This should be an insulting statement to any law enforcement officer. I am certain that there are fine men and women working on just such cases. The fact that the U.S. Attorney is involved should make this case all the more important, not just a source for Mr. Dwyre’s incoherent ramblings.

DAVID MYERS

Westwood

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Bill Dwyre shouldn’t use his commentary to tell the million-plus readers of The Times how he wants his federal tax dollars spent. If he has a beef about it, he should write, call or e-mail his U.S. senators or congressional representative--the numbers are in the telephone book. When a U.S. Attorney conducts an investigation, there is more to it than collecting frequent-flyer miles. U.S. Attorneys usually don’t investigate rapists, robbers and murderers. While it is too bad the Rush brothers aren’t playing basketball, they are adults and made questionable, perhaps illegal choices.

While I support freedom of the press, it bothers me that Bill Dwyre thinks that perhaps breaking the law “just a little” doesn’t really matter. It matters to me because society subscribes to the theory of knowing and doing right from wrong. Put your commentary in a book, Bill, and then let’s see just how many copies get sold! Suggested title: “Nothing Matters But Sports.”

KEN KELLER

Valencia

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To quote Mr. Dwyre, “Questions, questions, questions . . . “ Good point. Here are three more:

* Is Mr. Dwyre in Jerome Stanley’s pocket?

* What is the relationship between Mr. Dwyre and UCLA Athletic Director Peter Dalis, who now has a tarnished basketball player to go along with his disgraced football program?

* Why is Mr. Dwyre making excuses for a sorry basketball team coached by a man who can’t?

RICHARD HUBER

Santa Monica