Riki Ellison Story Is Out of This World

Kudos to The Times for revealing that former football players don’t just hang on and become mediocre coaches or personal hacks.

Riki Ellison [Oct. 30] is Example 1 of something lacking in American discourse and politics: ingenuity and smarts. Ellison and his missile alliance show the world what America is all about -- if people will take the time to look on his website.

Jake Fermilo

North Hollywood

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David Wharton’s article on Riki Ellison depicted an obsessive, rage-filled character whose actions border on the psychopathic. Ellison’s passion for missile defense is clearly the latest (and most dangerous) extension of writing his name in blood on a coed’s door, an obsession with fireworks, and stealing an opposing fan’s car as an alumni prank.

It’s obvious that this missile defense system supporter has never grown up. I wonder what The Times would write about a teenage football player from South Central swiping somebody’s car for a joyride, rather than the grudging admiration it offers 44 year-old Ellison for doing the same thing. Why does this unbalanced lobbyist deserve the publicity of the front page of the sports section?

Tom Abrams

Los Angeles

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For two consecutive Saturdays, the front page of the sports section has featured less-than-flattering articles on former Trojan football players (Cole Ford and Riki Ellison).

What’s next for the “Domer” sports editor -- O.J. Simpson’s golf game? Or is he saving that one for the day of the USC-Notre Dame game?

Or at least, how about some equal time and feature some of the UCLA felons?

Buddy Carls

Huntington Beach