Letters

A Shaq on the Beach

After watching him deal with that drama queen, Kobe Bryant, for far too long, I was happy to see you guys put a smiling Shaquille O'Neal on your NBA PREVIEW cover (Oct. 25). He's definitely going to make a big splash in Miami, as I'm sure he did when he jumped into that pool.
Simon Samano
San Diego

In 2 1/2 pages Shaq gave more excuses for underperforming in L.A. during the last two seasons than my seven-year-old does for not cleaning his room (A New Beast in the East, Oct. 25). Shaq feels as if he is "out of prison." He'd better remember that he's on parole in Miami. If he starts offering excuses again instead of delivering results, the Miami heat will be warmer than any jail cell in Florida.
Dan Deming,
La Habra, Calif.

It is time for Shaq to reflect and recognize that the Lakers' success was a team effort--led by two truly gifted players--and move on. With his continuing need to be in the spotlight, he is exposing himself as anything but a champion.
Shirley Parker, Phoenix

Counterpoint

An opposing team's scout sized up the Memphis Grizzlies (Scouting Reports, Oct. 25) by saying "starter Jason Williams and backup Earl Watson form the best point guard combo in the league." Chauncey Billups and Lindsey Hunter only helped the Pistons win a championship. Kevin Garnett didn't get past the first round without Sam Cassell and Troy Hudson. And Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson in Sacramento have for years been playing the way Williams and Watson hope to. Let me know what team that guy scouts for--I see a future job vacancy, and I'd like to send my r�sum�.
Jason J. Flood, Glenside, Pa.

Red Scare

I just discovered that wonderful (not) picture of the Red Sox and their fans during the 19-8 pounding at the hands of the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS (LEADING OFF, Oct. 25). Who's laughing now? The biggest comeback in major league history! How great does that sound?
Greg Liotti, Concord, N.H.

Over the Ump

How arrogant of Doug Harvey to think that umpires' calls should not be subject to criticism by the media (SCORECARD, Oct. 25). Mistakes by officials are displayed on every televised sporting event. The NFL, NHL and NBA have even made video review of certain calls part of the rules. MLB's umpires still haven't learned that they are not bigger than the game.
Richard de Give, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.