Latasha Byears: Badly Treated,or a Player Who Behaved Badly?

The story of unproven allegations of sexual assault by Latasha Byears and her subsequent dismissal from the Los Angeles Sparks, a team she helped lead to back-to-back WNBA championships, angered and frustrated me to tears (“The Glass Closet,” by Sandra Kobrin and Jason Levin, Aug. 21). In an age when women are supposedly afforded the same opportunities as men and treated equally, this is a stinging reminder that gender discrimination still exists.

Kobe Bryant was charged with sexual assault and reached a settlement, yet he continues to play for the Lakers. Byears never had charges brought against her and the case was closed, yet she was cut from the team. This is a slap in the face to the illusion of gender equality. The fact that she is a proud gay woman certainly affected her treatment. Imagine if Kobe were an openly gay man--is it possible that he would have been treated differently by his teammates and the Lakers establishment?

Some would argue that it was not the fact that Byears is gay or a woman, but that she has had disciplinary problems. Yet consider all of the NBA stars who have rap sheets, argue with their coaches and have missed games. Granted, Kobe is a moneymaker and famous around the globe, whereas Byears is relatively unknown outside of the WNBA’s fan base. But what it comes down to is this: In nearly identical situations and under the same organization, the gay woman was treated drastically worse than the straight man. That should be enough to outrage everyone.

Megan P. Hall

Buffalo, N.Y.

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I don’t feel sorry for Byears at all. Her being gay has nothing to do with her dismissal. She just doesn’t know how to handle herself and carry herself with grace. I agree that a male athlete can get away with this. But this is women’s sports; I don’t mind watching lesbian athletes, as long as they carry themselves with class.

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Therese M. Galvan

Santa Ana

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The cover photograph of Byears shows her still in hiding. My wife and I have been season ticket holders of the Sparks since day one and are familiar with Byears as a player. Her abrupt departure from the team continues to be shrouded in mystery. Whether or not her dismissal is justified will be determined. But I’m certain that had she paid more attention in school, she wouldn’t have had to sling packages at a Buena Park warehouse. Her inability to hold jobs suggests a lack of maturity.

History shows that professional athletes have been sidelined by their personal lifestyles. We don’t have to look any further than Rhonda Mapp of the Sparks, the venerated Magic Johnson and Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens. And as for Kobe Bryant, he and Byears have another thing in common: Both can be thankful they are not in prison.

Mark M. Mulhall

Yorba Linda