Readers' letters

THE NEW AND IMPROVED RAYS

It's unfortunate the Devil Rays' new owner and manager were given such a bad rap (Sound Off, May 21). Compared with last year's statistics, the Rays have more wins with five players on the disabled list. Manager Joe Maddon is respected by his players and fans, and he doesn't have to go into a rage and dropkick his hat when disputing an umpire's call like Lou Piniella. I hope the fans will support the team and ignore the negative remarks made by someone who doesn't know the game.

Stephen Holder's Bucs column (Manchester United fans, shame on you, May 28) lacked balance. Malcolm Glazer took a successful and financially sound team and burdened us with a debt of $800-million. We face increased ticket prices, the loss of our stadium and the best players no longer want to come to Old Trafford. Glazer has sullied the great and historic name of Manchester United.

You make Glazer seem like a respectable businessman, but not even his own relatives agree with that. Some things are worth more than money.

Bucky the shark slayer, having his picture taken with his latest victim, will almost certainly drum up business in the shark slaying world. Thank you so much for drawing attention to the fact that some fishermen still find satisfaction in chasing, murdering, clubbing and gaffing magnificent pregnant sea creatures with the help of friends. I'd like to see how Bucky Dennis would do if you leveled the playing field: Let's see what Bucky could do without his friends or a boat.

Donating the beauty to science hardly substitutes for having some sense of humanity.

[Last modified June 4, 2006, 08:46:20]