What readers are saying

Olympics

NBC dropped ball, and so did Lauer

As if the other problems with NBC's coverage of the Olympics weren't enough — i.e., our having to turn to the Canadian TV stations for more up-to-the-minute coverage — while I was watching the "Today" show on NBC, I was astonished to hear Matt Lauer's interview with Mark Spitz. He actually had the gall to ask him, "So, is it true that you're jealous of Michael Phelps for breaking your Olympic gold record?"

Spitz seemed very surprised by the question but had the good grace to reply with, "I am proud of Michael's achievements, and we are good friends. I am very happy to pass the torch to a new generation."

By the way, Canadian TV had minimal commercial interruptions, and when they did air a commercial, they were brief and returned to regular programming within two minutes. Not so with NBC.

— Julie Huber, Port Ludlow

Judd's remarks disgusting

I was disgusted by Ron Judd's snide remarks about IOC president Jacques Rogge, who tried to keep a positive spin on the Olympics in the best tradition of the Games. For an armchair quarterback, who didn't even inhale the improved air of Beijing, he consistently focused on the negative, ignoring the goodwill of the athletes and the gracious Chinese hosts.

Had he gone to China with an open mind, Judd would have been thrilled that a country which has undergone so much travail proudly displayed its emergence as an equal on the world's stage.

— Elmer Wagner, Lacey

More decathlon, please

As someone who arrived Saturday from New York to attend a convention in Seattle, I enjoyed reading the Backtalk comments on the Olympics on Sunday.

With regard to Dick Schwartz's comments about NBC being off base, I completely agree. I, too, was appalled as to how long it took them to interview Dawn Harper. But then again, what can you expect when synchronized swimming, synchronized diving and rhythmic gymnastics (are they even sports?) get far more coverage than traditional Olympic track-and-field events like long jump, pole vault and decathlon. To truly appreciate what the athletes in these events go through, you really have to watch from the beginning.

How much time did NBC devote to BMX racing vs. the traditional sports? Maybe they should add cheerleading and hopscotch next.

— Gary Aronowitz, Plainview, N.Y.

Donovan xenophobic

I found it quite interesting that Steve Kelley's column ("Donovan directs U.S. to rout of world," Aug. 24) conveniently left out the coach's xenophobic and ill-advised comments about Becky Hammon, the South Dakotan playing for Russia. The statements were an embarrassment to both Donavan and her sport.

Donovan took the liberty of calling the player "unpatriotic" for joining of the Russian women's squad in order to fulfill a childhood dream of playing in the Olympics. This despite the fact that Donovan and Team USA never extended an invitation to Hammon to try out for the team. Donovan subsequently toned down her comments, citing that she is "an old-timer" and forgot the Cold War is a distant memory.

Of note, Hammon scored 22 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting to lead Russia to a bronze medal. After the game she stated, "I'm not responsible for other people understanding. All I'm responsible for are my actions and my words. And I love my country."

Maybe it's the coach that could learn something from that.

— Michael Marchand, Bellevue

Hammon's big mistake

Becky Hammon's decision to betray her country and put on a Russian uniform for a chance to play in the Olympics is analogous to a guy who cheats on his wife with Angelina Jolie.

We may appreciate why they did it, but that doesn't make it right.

— Daniel Parsons, Bellingham

Sports aren't a necessity

Sports have been politicized. America owes so much money to China, it was arranged China could win the most gold medals.

Sports are now pointless. The best man never wins, only the guy with the most political clout.

Sports do not build character. They corrupt because of gambling and drug influences. Clever, undetectable bribes are being negotiated all the time, justified by the lobbyist mentality.

Sports were originally promoted by racists trying to prove racial superiority. Much diesel fuel and gas could be saved by getting rid of school and professional sports, and the American people would be justly served.

Sports are not a necessity, and the vast majority of Americans are turned off by them.

— Wesley Storer, Spokane

Bolt's celebration was appropriate

Sorry, but I beg to differ with reader Tom Likai's letter ("Bolt's a bad winner," Aug. 24).

I have followed the Olympics throughout and have read many comments regarding Bolt. Perhaps I missed something about this young man's performance. Please explain. What was bad about his reaction to setting a world record? How do you celebrate a win of that magnitude?

I am a sports enthusiast and have witnessed many athletes jumping for joy, dancing on the field, soaking each other with water, beer or champagne and just having a blast when they experience the joy of being the best. Obviously, you've never seen a winning football team or the various players dancing after scoring touchdowns. Incidentally, did you see Michael Phelps' reaction after the medley relay? Get a grip, sir!

As I read your letter, I could not help but come to the conclusion that you must be a very unhappy person. Bolt was brilliant on the track. He is a fine athlete and a great entertainer.

I hope the next time you sit down to write a letter, you will write to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and voice your support for a lifetime ban on the Cuban athlete who kicked the referee. And please cc Fidel Castro for defending that type of bad behavior.

— Brenda Burke, Seattle