The court of public opinion

Bill Plaschke’s story in last Sunday’s Times [“Floored”] about the anonymous tycoon donating $5 million to USC so he could immortalize his dear friend, a regular decent guy, was very touching. I kept rereading the article, hoping to glean a specific reason for such an over-the-top donation. Then it hit me.

From their relationship, the tycoon got a real down-to-earth friend who enabled the tycoon to keep both of his feet on the ground. The very decent Jim Sterkel achieved lasting fame. A win-win for both.

As for me, it further confirmed that there are Angels in this city.

DAVID BUCHANAN

Westlake Village

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Bless you, Anonymous, for sharing Jim Sterkel with all of us. Shame on you, USC, for asking for millions to honor one of your own.

DAN ROSENFELD

Arcadia

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Bill Plaschke’s touching, beautifully written article on Jim Sterkel Court in the Galen Center at USC reminds me of how the late, great Jim Murray might have handled such a heartwarming story and should be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for sportswriting.

CHUCK QUEENAN

Encino

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Thank you, Mike Garrett, for restoring my views on USC. All my life I’ve thought USC people were arrogant and self-absorbed. Then I read the Jim Sterkel Court story and began to believe that even USC could see what is truly important in life.

But then Mike said, “A great example of the Trojan family” and I realized I was right all along. Mike, Jim Sterkel and the anonymous donor are great examples of the human family!

ROSS FRAUMAN

Mission Viejo