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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2007

USF's Walker Has Chance To Do Some Good

Brett McMurphy's well-written article about Walter Walker standing up to remove the 'N' word from the locker room has moved me to suggest a real opportunity to do some good in the community is at hand ('USF's Walker Tackles Use Of N-Word In Locker Room,' Oct. 17). I have deep personal feelings about this, stemming from my experiences growing up; by the way, I am Caucasian. I hear this ugly word used so casually by younger kids with whom I play basketball and always have said this is so disrespectful of the life's work of civil rights leaders. Walker has an opportunity to stand on a national stage with his team, poised for a BCS berth, and say this should not be tolerated in any locker room. This word could be rendered uncool almost overnight, especially for the next generation of kids who will look to football athletes as role models. Kudos to Walker as a person and as a representative of his university. In my mind, he already has won something far greater than any national championship. He is working toward realizing a very Kingly dream. MARK T. ANDERSON Lutz

Give Leavitt New Deal
Jim Leavitt has done an amazing job building the University of South Florida football program to rival the other big three Florida schools. The humble way in which he presents himself should be an example to all. I hope the university board will do the right thing and reward him with a new contract to match that of an Urban Meyer or a Bobby Bowden. It would be a shame to lose a great coach. JIM BYERS Tampa

New Rays Charge Absurd

Congratulations to the Rays for finding a way to decrease attendance. Paid parking was a nice gift, but charging more money for a walk-up ticket to see a team in last place is absurd. It might help if they could explain the need for a 24-hour advance ticket purchase, but at this rate, they are just going to push more people away ... including me. JAMES JONES Tampa

Yanks Deserve To Lose

If the Steinbrenners are so stupid as to fire Joe Torre, who has led the Yankees to the postseason 12 years in a row - thereby enriching their already bloated coffers - then they will richly deserve the many losing seasons their succession of better-than-Joe managers will get them. DICK SCHUBERT Sun City Center

Bright House Lacking

NFL coverage on Bright House Networks is poor at best. Contrary to popular belief, not all residents of this area are Bucs fans. Regardless of what other games are being played, none can be seen during a Tampa Bay game. If you are a hard-nosed NFL fan and don't want to go to a local restaurant to watch an out-of-market game, your only option is to install DISH Network or DirecTV, which may be my next move. BOBBY MARSHALL Ruskin

Writers Are Anti-Bucs

More and more, I find Tribune reporters who cover the Bucs have it in for Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen. They almost have to choke out words of praise for them. No one expects reporters to be 'homers,' but they seem to have an agenda against this team. Give me the days of Tom McEwen. MICHAEL DUGGAN Naples

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