Put the blame where it belongs

I read the article about the tragic death of former Dodgers pitcher Tim Crews [“Losing His Memory,” April 22] and, while saddened by a family’s loss of their husband and father, their playing the blame game against the Dodgers and baseball in general is absurd.

If they want to place blame, then they should place the blame accordingly, and that blame goes to Tim Crews solely. Boating recklessly while legally drunk is not the Dodgers’ fault nor anyone else’s fault. Perhaps the Crews family will come to terms with this reality in the near future and get on with their lives.

KEITH OLSON

Pacific Palisades

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I rarely read Bill Plaschke’s columns since his knowledge of sports (or life, for that matter) couldn’t fill a thimble. However, I remember the late Tim Crews seemed like a real stand-up guy when he played with the Dodgers, so I read the article that appeared to be about how a teenage son was dealing with the loss of his father 14 years earlier.

If Plaschke had continued the article along that line he’d have been fine, but it quickly deteriorated into accusing baseball (the Dodgers in particular) of ignoring the Crewses. I don’t remember anyone forcing Tim Crews to get drunk and decide to drive his boat around in that condition while his wife and three children were waiting at home.

Do I feel bad for Laurie Crews and her kids? Of course I do, but let’s remember who caused this tragedy, and that he didn’t just kill himself, but took Steve Olin with him. In my opinion, Plaschke owes a big apology to the Dodgers and the Olins.

GEORGE NEWBERRY

San Pedro