19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

HUMAN RELATIONS
Sirs:
Congratulations are in order to Pat Jordan for his fine article. The Man Who Was Cut Out for the Job (Oct. 11). As a native Tarheeler, I found special meaning in the reflections of what it is really like in the lives of teachers and students trying to make a go of complete integration of public schools in the South. I think Pat did an excellent job of portraying the problems of bringing together two races with such different cultures.

Pat tells how uncomfortable he felt while attending the all-black football game. At that ball game Pat was the minority, a situation whites seldom experience.

My hat is off to the teachers, coaches (especially Jerome Evans) and administrative officials who undertake such a difficult, uncomfortable and unglorious task. And thanks again to Pat who dug out and revealed the problems of integration so that progress can be made, because now we have a better understanding.
ROBERT RANDALL
Anchorage Alaska

Sirs:
I congratulate Pat Jordan for the tremendous insight into a difficult problem. He has shed some light on the human side of the racial issue His portrayal of Jerome Evans as a scared man who cannot reveal his true self is brought sharply into focus by Jordan's courageous and honest description of his own feelings at the North Carolina Central University game. But he could return to the white status quo. Where does a black man turn in a white world?
RANDY GUST
Lancaster, Ohio

Sirs:
"I don't even want them to like me. I'd be content if they just acknowledged me as a good coach and a man"—Jerome Evans. Judging by Pat Jordan's article, Mr. Evans is a good coach and a man. I would like to show him a little more of the world, however. It consists of people, real people, who want to live a life with depth and meaning. And a consummate part of such a life is friendship with other people, be they black, white, Jewish, English, old, young, Catholic, Methodist, rich, poor, attractive, unattractive, educated, uneducated or whatever. To quote Joan Oppenheimer: "Had he, too, built a wall to save himself from further hurt? Then found one day that he was a prisoner behind it?" I don't wish Jerome Evans further hurt—although perhaps it will come. I do wish him friendship that is rich in understanding and glorious in new-found hope mingled with joy. Perhaps it will come, too.
NOREEN WILSON
Cleveland

Sirs:
Great! Great! Great! Articles such as this can only reaffirm SI as the bes in its field. By capturing the sensitivities of the black man and so beautifully and subtly standing in his shoes at the all-black NCC game, Pat Jordan promotes intelligent and fair integration. I salute you for printing the story—and Jordan for writing it.
MACE FUHR
Los Angeles

CENTRAL ISSUE
Sirs:
First it was your prediction that Cleveland would finish last in the AFC Central Division (Scouting Reports, Sept. 20). Then came the article on Cincinnati (No One's Holding These Tigers, Sept. 27), after which the "tigers" did nothing but lose. And now you give us an article on Pittsburgh (No Paralysis Is the Analysis, Oct. 11). Well, the score was Cleveland 27, Pittsburgh 17, and the Browns are in first place.
TOM WILLIAMS
Barberton, Ohio

Sirs:
WOW! A feature article on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am too amazed and stunned to say anything but thanks.
DAVE (DUFFY) BARTO
Slovan, Pa.

Sirs:
Thank you for your excellent article on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm glad that somebody gave Pittsburgh credit for having a fine young team. The Steelers may not win it all this year, although I believe them to be the strongest team in their division. The big change in the squad is its capability to put more points on the board and make the big play, a trait that the Steelers haven't had in their 38-year history.

And speaking of the infamous past, the Steelers never before have had a coach as good as Chuck Noll, a quarterback as good as Terry Bradshaw, or a defensive tackle as good as Mean Joe Greene.
PETER D. LISMAN
Hillside, N.J.