Letters

A ban on boxing would result in backstreet fighting with even fewer provisions for medical attention.
GLENN P. CUNNINGHAM, UNION, N.J.

Boxing
What an irresponsible, unfounded statement Ferdie Pacheco made in suggesting that if Gerald McClellan's fight had taken place in, among other places, Miami, "he would have died" (Enough? March 6). Dr. Pacheco, who lives in Miami, knows very well Florida's dedication to boxing safety. At least two medical doctors are required to be present at our fights, and sometimes we have five or six. One must have trauma experience. An ambulance staffed with at least two emergency medical technicians must also be on hand. Oxygen, and other emergency equipment, is kept at ringside, just as it was at the McClellan- Nigel Benn fight in London. I am sure Pacheco spoke in the heat of the moment. Our record in Florida speaks for itself.
JIMMY RESNICK, Chairman
State of Florida Athletic Commission
Miami Beach

I am a former New York City Golden Glover and now evaluate and treat brain injury and disease as a neuropsychologist. I commend your article but remain frustrated that discussions of safety seldom extend to the subject of auto racing.

The argument that boxing is not a sport applies even more to auto racing, in which catastrophic injury and death occur often. In boxing the fighters alone suffer danger and harm. At auto races, out-of-control cars kill attendants, and flying debris has killed spectators.

If boxing is socially offensive, what about the carnage of auto racing? Consider that Victor Galindez, a brawling light heavyweight champion of the 1970s, walked away from a 12-year pro career that included a dozen title bouts. Shortly after retirement he was killed walking away from his disabled race car.
MATTHEW BOWEN, San Francisco

Andre Agassi
When I first saw Andre Agassi on your March 13 cover, I wondered, What now? But after reading Love and Love my attitude toward him completely changed. When critics examine Agassi's accomplishments, they will appreciate his rare gifts. I am thrilled he has found a soul mate in Brooke Shields, and I hope they'll continue to find happiness with each other and their respective careers.
KATHERINE NICHOLS, Honolulu

You failed to note one important act that illustrates Agassi's maturity, a million-dollar gift he recently made to a Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas.
CHAD HARTLEY, Las Vegas

You refer to Agassi's "new, hardworking" image, but he's still the same prima donna who was fined for spitting on an umpire and earned the scorn of his fellow players. He may have won three Grand Slam titles, and he may reach No. 1, but he'll never be a true champion like Jim Courier, Pete Sampras or Michael Chang. Underneath his soft and fuzzy exterior, the new Agassi is still the same person.
ANDY EDELEN, Cincinnati

Retiring Coach
As a graduate of Michigan State, I was thrilled to see Jack McCallum's article on basketball coach Jud Heathcote (The Last Harrumph, March 13). McCallum was right on target in looking beyond the green sport coats and the contortions on the sidelines. Heathcote was one of the most popular coaches in the country because of his sense of humor and his refusal to take himself or the game too seriously. He represented Michigan State with dignity for 19 years. Michigan State and all of basketball will miss him.
JAMES R. WIKMAN
Coppell, Texas

While growing up in East Lansing, I had the pleasure of watching Coach Heathcote, and I'll never forget the excitement he brought to the Spartan program. His class both on and off the court will be missed.
B.J. RYCUS, Grand Ledge, Mich.