What were you journalistic geniuses thinking on Tuesday when you printed Steve Moore's In the Bleachers in your Sports section? That cartoon depicted one shark teasing another for having "a chunk of food stuck in his teeth." That "chunk of food" was a splintered surfboard.
Four days earlier, 13-year-old surfer Bethany Hamilton lost an arm to a shark attack in Hawaii.
Really now, for the sake of good taste, I suggest you read the news more often, preferably before you decide what's fit to print.
-- Matthew P. Schmidt, Tampa
This wasn't fit to print II
As a resident of Pinellas County I am an avid reader of the St. Petersburg Times. But as a clinical psychologist, I must tell you I was absolutely shocked to see your article in the sports section printing Rorschach cards and players' responses to those cards (Now just tell the doctor what you see, Nov. 2). Psychological testing materials such as the Rorschach cards are protected material to be used for clinical purposes only and not for amusing Sunday newspaper articles.
You have now invalidated a very important clinical instrument by making it visible to the population at large. In the future I would suggest your writers consult with clinical psychologists and research the proper use of psychological material before printing this material in your newspaper.
-- Alessandra Maria Chiesa, Ph.D., Wimauma
Applause for Mickelson
In these times when many athletes are unapproachable, it was refreshing to see how Phil Mickelson interacts with his fans. During the pro-am Oct. 29, when asked for an autograph, he politely told people he would sign for everyone when he was finished.
After finishing his round, he talked with people and signed autographs for what seemed like 30 minutes. He posed for pictures, talked with everyone, gave away golf balls. He really treated everyone nicely, especially the kids who were there. On Oct. 31, he topped himself. He stopped to speak to a boy on crutches when he was pressed for time to get to the first tee.
After he played the second hole, he walked over to a man on a motorized scooter and thanked him for coming out and gave the man the golf ball he had been using. After his round, despite not making the cut, he stayed by the clubhouse talking with fans, taking pictures and signing autographs for an extended period of time.
He was very cordial and courteous despite missing the cut and despite having a very "unMickelsonlike" season. I have been around many athletes at many events and I have never seen anyone conduct themselves in such a manner. When his golfing career is over, perhaps Mickelson can give a lecture series to athletes on how to treat their fans.
-- Billy Prezioso, Port Richey
Enough on instant replay
I have always been a supporter of the NFL's instant replay but enough is enough. When a winning coach complains (and rightfully) about instant replay and is fined, something has to be done.
Reviewing plays by the referee on the field is like having your brother-in-law on the jury when you are on trial. No referee wants to have his crew look bad and will always lean toward his or their decisions.
Why not have all challenges reviewed by someone in the booth like they do in the last two minutes of each half?
Maybe someone should tell the league that these arbitrary and capricious fines levied on coaches (especially when they are right) who speak their minds is against everything this country stands for.
-- Paul C. Schulz, St. Petersburg
[Last modified November 9, 2003, 01:34:53]
