Carson Palmer Goes to Head of Class

Carson Palmer should be congratulated, not only for his outstanding performance on the field this year as USC’s quarterback, but also for the manner in which he conducted himself during his five years at USC.

During some difficult times early in his career, he never complained. He stayed the course, worked very hard to improve his game and remained committed to USC for his entire football eligibility. He always conducted himself with class and dignity as a player and in his acceptance of the Heisman award.

He has made the Trojan family as well as all Southland fans very proud.

Frank R. Gamberdella

Professor, Keck School of Medicine, USC

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As a former Trojan football player, I watched in delight the announcement of another one of our own as the winner of the Heisman Trophy. Congratulations to Carson Palmer and the entire football team and staff this year. I was struck by Carson’s quote, “I think it was the Notre Dame game. If anyone else was playing in that game, maybe they would have gotten the trophy.”

Reading this quote made me think of another 31-point victory over Notre Dame, when 28 years ago, No. 28, Anthony Davis scored more touchdowns than even Carson did. Anthony Davis, my teammate and my friend, should have won the Heisman Trophy that year, but he didn’t. Instead, it was given to Ohio State junior Archie Griffin, another great running back and former teammate of mine with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Maybe it was Anthony’s style. He liked to talk a little smack, but he backed up every word. Or maybe it was the fact that the Heisman vote took place that year before the Notre Dame game was played. Either way, AD still likes to talk a little smack, and I’m glad the Heisman voters count the final game of the season now, for Carson Palmer and for USC football.

Marvin Cobb

Sacramento

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In Bill Plaschke’s column of Dec. 17, he refers to Ken Dorsey’s “mediocre personal statistics” giving way to the Carson Palmer numerical tidal wave. Dorsey’s numbers actually compare reasonably well to Palmer’s. We should celebrate Carson Palmer’s talent and teamwork without depreciating Ken Dorsey’s very impressive achievements.

John Ramsey

Houston