LeBron Now Playing in His Own Pro-Am

I was relieved to see that LeBron James’ amateur status was reinstated by a judge. Superstar athletes need to learn early in their careers that the justice system will be treating their actions with leniency. How else will they understand that they can get away with doing drugs, murder and domestic abuse?

Blair Mathieson

Mission Viejo

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The gnashing of teeth and beating of breasts by writers such as Bill Plaschke in regard to LeBron James accepting money or gifts is absurd and hypocritical.

Should Jody Foster have been banned from attending Yale drama school because she had been, heaven forbid, paid for child acting roles? If a young classical music prodigy wins a prestigious international competition, for which there happens to be a prize, do the colleges then ban the prodigy from their music academies? No, the colleges fight to get these people, and hold them out as wonderful achievers.

Anthony Wall

Santa Barbara

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As one of the 10 Commissioners of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), I wish to thank Mr. Plaschke for his support of the decision made by the Ohio High School Athletic Assn. in regard to the rule violation committed by LeBron James.

As one who spends significantly way too much time explaining the rationale for high school athletic rules, I appreciate his clarity as to where the blame should have been placed. It is unfortunate that this fine athlete’s eligibility ended in the way that it did (appeal notwithstanding). However, to maintain whatever integrity is left in high school sports, the rules must be upheld, and then, if need be, ultimately put through the process of change.

Barbara Fiege,

Commissioner

CIF Los Angeles City Section

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I’m pleased to see Plaschke and others at The Times are indignant about the LeBron James situation and the values represented (or more correctly not represented) by him and his followers trampling on the notion of amateur athletics.

To be consistent, I am hopeful that Plaschke and the rest will be equally indignant if Major League Baseball allows Pete Rose to be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and if he garners enough votes for entry from sportswriters. I see a parallel to the two individuals: Neither cared about his team, his teammates or players, the organization he represented or his sport, only about personal gain and satisfaction. While LeBron can claim naivete and innocence in the circus surrounding him that ultimately led to his being banned from his sport, Pete can make no such claim.

Dennis C. Smith

Long Beach

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When LeBron James’ attorney, Fred Nance, is done being a lawyer, he should consider being a comedian. His statement, “All LeBron did was receive a gift from a friend as congratulations for his academic achievements,” is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time.

Rich Rudy

San Diego