Dear Editor,
I agree with most of Mr. Gonsalves’ analysis of the Latrell Spreewell incident [“Spreewell ruling sends wrong message,” March 13].
I do not agree, however, that a shock was sent through corporate America by the Spreewell incident (i.e., the mitigation of his punishment somehow sends the message that it is OK to physically assault your boss). This is a bit of an exaggeration of the situation. The amendment of Spreewell’s punishment does not mean that it is ever OK to threaten your boss’ life or to physically assault your boss. Latrell Spreewell’s punishment was mitigated because it was felt, by the governing authority, that it was disproportionate to the act and excessive. Spreewell, however, was still punished, and for whatever it is worth, exhibited remorse for his mistake.
Oddly enough, however, I do not agree with the initial punishment or the amended punishment. Professional athletes who commit violent or illegal acts outside of the arena of their profession should not be shielded as if they occurred in the arena of their profession. They should be held liable in criminal and civil courts of law.
I do not know whether this approach would have imposed a harsher punishment than Spreewell’s initial punishment or not. I suspect, however, that he might not have lost the balance of his contract or have been suspended for a whole year. In the alternative, he might have had to do some jail time, and pay coach Carlesimo in civil court. This is a better approach because it treats professional athletes like everyone else. Why should they have a league judicial system for offenses committed off the court?
Therein lies the real problem.
Ivan Tircuit
Law Student
via Internet
Dear Editor,
I am often asked by students what areas to concentrate on to get the best job. Although my standard answer is “attitude and the ability to communicate,” I also remind them that their relationships will be far more important to them than their grades. Laura Czingula’s column in the March 13 issue [“Family, wine make good recipe”] confirmed that she realizes this, as well. Her trip to the wine country with her family enabled her to enjoy her family and to further cement her wonderful relationship with her family. She reminded us that “your family is forever….” This advice is some of the best I have ever heard. Thank you, Laura, for reminding us.
Dr. Janis Dietz
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
via Internet
Ivan X. Tircuit
