Letters to the sports desk

Article propagates stereotypes

While the article featuring Jeron Smith (“Growing
Pains,” May 11) was well-written and generally positive, I
had a few concerns about its content.

I feel the article should have highlighted the fact that Smith
is not only seeking athletic pursuits at the University of
Pennsylvania, but academic pursuits as well. Our society has placed
many labels on the black men of America, and one of these labels
asserts that black men can only excel in the athletic and
entertainment arena.

There is nothing wrong with success in these fields, but I think
it is imperative that society continually sees examples of black
men who are not just about sports and music.

In this case, the article could have highlighted Smith’s
participation in the UCLA Honors College, as well his multiple
entrepreneurial pursuits that began at a very young age.

The section of the article stating, “Currently, the only
thing that could hold Smith back are his grades” seemed to
suggest that Mr. Smith’s grades were hindering his UPenn
admissions process.

While the initial statement was partially qualified by the
sentence that followed it, I believe it is important to realize
that such a statement has potential to support stereotypes
regarding black academic inferiority. Not only do these stereotypes
encourage non-blacks to devalue the intelligence of their black
classmates, but it also has some psychologically adverse effects on
black students as well (i.e., stereotype threat).

Jasmine Smith Stanford University, Class of
’05

Misrepresenting Athens

I am writing you from Greece, and I would like to make some
things clear. I don’t know who gave you the information
concerning criminality in Athens, (“Olympians’ courage
to be tested in Athens,” May 12) but this fact that Ben
Peters is writing about in his column is completely inaccurate.

Greece is the safest country in the European Union and Athens is
one of the safest capitals. We are completely sick and tired of all
the negative publicity coming from the United States and the United
Kingdom (the question is why?), and yes, there is a negative
impression concerning Americans, but this is entirely your
fault.

And with columns like this one, you just worsen the
situation.

Yiannis Magouras Athens, Greece

Oregon good for Malik Hairston

It’s easy to overlook Oregon and wonder why Malik Hairston
chose the school (“M.I.P. great for Bruin, Duck
rivalry,” May 13).

Obviously, playing time is one reason. But, coach Ernie Kent has
built a solid program in Oregon since he returned to his alma
mater:

1) Oregon has been more successful than UCLA the past four
years.

2) Assuming Luke Jackson goes in the first round this year in
the NBA draft (a fair assumption), Oregon will have had three
backcourt players drafted in the first round the last three years
(Freddie Jones, Luke Ridnour and Luke Jackson). Hairston is a
backcourt player. I’m scratching my head trying to remember
if any UCLA grads have been drafted in the first round the last
three years.

3) Oregon plays a transition game that Hairston flourishes
in.

4) Mac Court is an awesome place to play.

5) Coach Kent

6) Kansas is a Nike-sponsored school among several others
including Oregon (the Nike assertion you made is bunk).

7) Eugene is a much better place to go to school than Los
Angeles (too many distractions), Lawrence (need I say more) or
Lansing (weather sucks compared to rainy Eugene). 

8) Young talent: Aaron Brooks, Maarty Leunen, Bryce Taylor,
Chamberlain Ougchi and Hairston (Hairston won’t have to do it
all himself).

Dean Johnson Lake Oswego, Ore.