In the New XFL Season, Why Doesn’t Rosenberg Just Punt?

Howard Rosenberg’s column on the XFL completely missed the point (“XFL Kickoff Puts a Yawn in ‘Smash Mouth’ Football,” Feb. 5).

Last February, league founder Vince McMahon stated in a press conference that the XFL was going to be the “extremely fun league.” Sure, thegame play wasn’t as impressive as the NFL, and the cheerleaders weren’t as choreographed as they could’ve been, but in watching Saturday’s kickoff game did Rosenberg ever put down his red pen for one minute and ask himself, “Is this fun?”

The “cattle” watching the game seemed to be having a good time. The players on both teams seemed to be having a good time. The announcers seemed to be having a good time. Surrounded by friends in my living room, I was having a great time. Everyone was having a good time except for Rosenberg.

KEVIN MADDEN

Chino Hills

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As a proud Orlando Rage season ticket-holder, I like this league because, for the first time in my life, I was able to go to a game where I actually make more money than the people on the field.

I also like the idea of paying $25 for seats on the 50-yard line and not being surrounded by a bunch of corporate fat cats talking on their cell phones and closing deals. I like being surrounded by 40,000 young people like me watching the game and having a good time.

If Rosenberg watched one XFL game and thought it was a joke, just apply his logic to the last Super Bowl--talk about a dud! I guess he’ll never watch an NFL game again either?

I’m not at all surprised Rosenberg has nothing good to say about the XFL. This league wasn’t designed for old folks, grandpa. It’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of football fans--ones that enjoy the atmosphere and not the corporate greed so commonplace in sports today.

CRAIG VARNER

Tallahassee, Fla.

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The football games were competitive, well-refereed examples of a game most of our nation has come to love. The level of play was a little bit above college play and a little below the NFL--kind of what you would expect from a second pro league.

Rosenberg’s attack on the sport was unfounded and in poor taste. I suggest he stick to watching the World Wrestling Federation if he wants to watch “bone crunching” and fake blood. I, for one, am delighted we now have a 10-week extension to view professional football.

MARK CORSI

Newport Beach