Sports Racists
Look in the mirror: Luther Campbell's column claiming that University of Miami quarterback Jacory Harris doesn't get enough credit because he's black ("Luke's Gospel," Luther Campbell, October 27) makes one thing clear: Uncle Luke is the real racist. To find racism in the sports media is absurd. Simply put, Harris doesn't deserve to be excessively praised at this moment. While he's played much better than in past years, he's not playing well enough to be considered a high NFL prospect. Luther sees a black quarterback with very moderate success and equates it to NFL greatness. Similarly, he thinks Tony Sparano is getting a pass as the Dolphins coach because he's white. Nonsense! Former University of Miami coach Randy Shannon is black, and he got the same sympathy when his job was put into question last season. Luther sees racism where it doesn't exist, and that makes him a racist. It's a shame, because Luther has great intentions and would do well to direct his anger over racism toward those who actually are racists. But before he does, he's got to come clean with his own prejudices.
Jorge del Valle
Fact-checking: Two things: You say there are only a "token number" of black sports reporters in town. But the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly, who covers the Dolphins and does probably the best job out of all the team's beat writers, is black. Also, Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland have been in the hot seat ever since their second 7-9 season last year. The majority of fans want them gone. Get your facts straight, Luke, because you sound like you're reaching and misinformed, to say the least.
Aldo Ribeiros
No pro prospect: Jacory Harris has finally learned how to play quarterback, but it took him four years to go from mediocre to fair. I hope he completes his degree to be able to earn a living, because as a pro quarterback, he has as much future as I do, and I'm a 60-year-old fan. Luther, it's pretty weak to play the race card just to get some attention.
Ray Shapiro
Robbed in the Ring
Reform boxing: I sympathize with Erislandy Lara, the Cuban boxer whose biggest victory was stolen by bad judging ("Below the Belt," Tim Elfrink, October 27) because my father was also a professional boxer in Cuba. I grew up with boxing all around me. I can tell you that the sport was always shady, but what is happening now is simply a crime. The sport has been smeared and tarnished to a level that it's losing fans by the millions every year. There was a good solution proposed a long time ago: to have one unified international governing body and one champion per weight class. The referees would be answerable to and appointed by this governing group. There would be one set of rules and drug testing before every fight. If this does not happen, you can dig a hole and bury boxing.
C.O. Jones
Occupy New Times
Superficial reporting: Why does your piece about Occupy Miami, the protest camped out at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, leave out the truth ("Good Night, Sweet Patchouli," Liz Tracy, October 27)? Why did you choose to write mostly about clothing and hairstyles? You need to get a clue. This article is lame.
Vanessa Thompson
Meat-eaters allowed: I don't understand why there's so much hate directed at the writer of this article. Most Miami protests have an overabundance of the holier-than-thou crowd, and it sounds like those same people are commenting on this accurate story. I would have left when the holding hands and chanting started. Being a vegan new-ager isn't required to protest.
Roy
Quit bitching and help: If you believe Occupy Miami needs more organization, why don't all of you try to contribute your ideas? Attend the protest and show them how it's done. It's so easy to complain about how lame or disorganized something is when you're sitting in front of your computer screen talking about Occupy Miami rather than actually going there yourself. Support the movement, share your ideas, and make them happen.
Xspiderxwebx
Lighten up: Finally someone brought some humor to this boring-ass movement. Things suck — we get it. Life is tough for most of us by definition, since we make up the 99 percent. So now what? Kudos for making and distributing PB&J sandwiches, and kudos for composting. But when you come up with something — anything — bigger, let's discuss. Until then, I think this coverage is spot-on. A little self-deprecating humor is a good thing. I suggest we all chillax and try to laugh a little.
Lvs2t