Backtalk

Seahawks

Tim Ruskell is no

Wally Walker — yet

In Steve Kelley's column about Seahawks president Tim Ruskell (Nov. 18), he is wrong about Ruskell being close to Wally (Legs) Walker. Ruskell still needs to run one more great coach out of town and then back it up by having a large hand in running the franchise out of town.

I don't think Paul Allen is nearly as dumb as Howard Schultz in these matters, and I doubt he would sell the team down the river, either. But he did let Mike Holmgren go, hmmm ... Nah!

— Gary Hanawalt, Seattle

Never should have

let Holmgren walk

Why is it so hard for people to understand that most of the time it is better to not mess around with top talent. Watching Mike Holmgren walk out of Seattle is so disappointing, just like seeing Pat Gillick, George Karl, Lou Piniella, Nate McMillan (enter your own favorite winner's name).

The year after the Mariners won 116 games they won something like 93 and missed the playoffs, and everybody wanted somebody's head. Well, they got the heads and five years of bad baseball.

After UW football coach Jim Lambright lost the Aloha Bowl they wanted heads — they got the heads, then one Rose Bowl and a decade of misery.

After Karl couldn't bring home the bacon they wanted heads — they got the heads and then they got jack squat.

It is important to get rid of the right people — but heads for heads' sake is just frustrating.

I think Ruskell is the head that should go, and Paul Allen should be on his hands and knees running after Mike Holmgren to get him back here.

— Jeff Moormeier, Stanwood

Ruskell needs

to go — and now

He [Ruskell] should be removed. Absolutely terrible decisions. Personally, I like Mike Holmgren for the job. You can revive quickly, but you need to be smart and lucky.

— Jim Motteler,

Scotts Valley, Calif.

Another vote for

Holmgren as GM

How about Mike Holmgren as GM?

Now that could make things interesting.

— Alban Kaca, Seattle

Maybe Jim Mora

is part of problem

I see the struggles of the Seahawks and I do wonder about Jim Mora. I believe the only reason he was semi-successful in Atlanta was Michael Vick. Take away the games he coached for the Falcons that Vick played in, and you would be left with a coach relying on (not filling) his daddy's shoes.

I am also reminded of his statement that (while coaching in Atlanta) the UW job would be his "dream." I thank God every day he's the Seahawks' problem, and the Huskies' fortunes will turn around quicker.

— James Johnson,

Tigard, Ore.

Mora needs to point finger at himself

I see no hope for the Seahawks until Jim Mora turns his finger around and points it in the right direction. Since the start of the season I've had to endure hearing Mr. Mora blame his kicker, then his players' lack of commitment and most recently the game officials.

This comes after enduring another Seahawks broadcast where every time a camera was turned on Mr. Mora, he was caught red in the face shouting expletives at the nearest ref, over mostly correct calls.

Sadly, Mr. Mora signed my son's football helmet at a preseason practice. I was thrilled at the time that my son wanted Jim's autograph. A classy signature from a classy guy, I thought. At the moment, I'm looking for a cleaning product that can remove the ink.

This is not the person I want my son being influenced by. After years of watching coach Holmgren do things the right way this is a stark reminder that pro football is full of finger-pointers and blamers. How long must we endure this behavior in Seattle?

— Dan Richards, Bothell

Seattle U. basketball

Redhawks honored

the wrong legend

There is no question the best basketball player ever turned out by Seattle University was Elgin Baylor.

That being said, it was a huge mistake to name the SU court at KeyArena after him. Seattle U. did more for Elgin Baylor then Elgin Baylor ever did for Seattle U., and when he left town, he basically turned his back on the school and the area.

On the other hand, the start of big-time basketball at SU was in the early 1950s, with the O'Brien twins, John and Ed. That was some of the most exciting basketball the area has ever seen, and that is what put Seattle U. on the map. They have done more to promote the school and the Seattle area than Baylor ever thought of, and they have continued to live here after completion of their major-league baseball careers. They both are active in charities and fundraisers for the local area as well as for Seattle University. The name of "The O'Briens Court" seems much more appropriate, but is now an opportunity lost.

— Bob Kilian, Bellevue