Benching Brought Academic Results

Re “Benching Dream Team Brought Results,” July 11: Thank you, [Richmond High School basketball] Coach Ken Carter, for bringing some sanity back to the game, at the same time creating better lives for the young athletes in your charge. Our society has this ongoing, misguided, disproportionate case of jock worship. And nobody, till now, seemed to mind. In our win-at-all-costs attitude, we pay astronomical sums of money to professional athletes who are childish, irresponsible, dangerous, ignorant and mean-spirited, in general, and are very poor role models for future professional athletes.

The message being sent is that the more outrageous your behavior, the bigger the contracts you’ll nab. We’re saying that if you can handle a ball well enough, you don’t have to abide by the same rules, laws and social mores as the rest of us. What Carter (and probably many other coaches) could have had on his hands were future Dennis Rodmans and Mike Tysons. These guys wouldn’t last five minutes in the real world, where such negative behavior would get them nothing, except out of work.

Where does it say you can’t be at least reasonably bright, well-mannered and a good sport and still be celebrated? Oh, did I hear someone mention Michael Jordan? Or how ‘bout Wayne Gretsky? Shaq? Yeah, guys, it’s not only possible but should be expected. I’d like to think Carter has raised the academic bar for future athletes. I can dream, can’t I?

Gail Walton

Torrance

How very refreshing to find a coach who really cares about his players to the extent that he would sacrifice winning games in order to inspire them to achieve academically. It should be abundantly clear that high school is about providing students with a foundation that makes it possible for them to go on to college and to build study habits with a basic core of knowledge that will make their lives not only more enjoyable but more productive.

Statements in the article such as “Carter fell under harsh criticism from school officials and parents” and, from a board member, “What are we teaching kids if we’re not thoughtful of the consequences of our actions?” were appalling. This was exactly what Carter was attempting to teach his students.

Carl Hess

Upland