Voice of the Fan

Choice voice `Bud Selig's realignment plan makes as much sense as putting a screen door on a submarine. Memo to Selig: The divisions need slight adjustments-not being thrown into a blender.'

--Todd Glass Cincinnati

Second-guessing

Does realignment really have to be so difficult? Bud Selig's plan is ludicrous, and Jon Heyman's plan completely eliminates any tradition that Major League Baseball has left (TSN, May 15). The answer is obvious. Trade Tampa Bay to the N.L. East for Montreal in the A.L. East for geographical reasons. Also, this might stir up fan support up in Expoland, getting to see the Yankees and the Blue Jays more. Place Houston in the A.L. West. The fact this division is so weak should ease the pain of switching leagues.

You could maybe tinker with the Centrals, trading Milwaukee for K.C. to help forge a Cardinals-Royals rivalry, but that's all you need. Six five-team divisions and continue the wild card.

John Bala Willoughby, Ohio

Because there are 30 Major League Baseball teams, Selig's realignment plan would be a major mistake. Heyman's plan looks better and even. With the key word "even" in mind, I would move the Astros to the N.L. West and the Diamondbacks to the A.L. West. It would make sense; it would be even, and it wouldn't shuffle everything into a disaster.

Jon Lantz Dennehotso, Ariz.

Moving on

Dave Kindred left a bad taste in my mouth with his column on Anthony Molina (TSN, May 15). I'm not advocating what Ben Christensen did--it shouldn't have happened and was simply deplorable--but why not write on how it is a miracle Molina is seeing, let alone playing baseball? Why not write an article on the people's feelings a year later? No mention of Wichita State coach Gene Stephenson's, pitching coach Brent Kemnitz's or Christensen's feelings now on the incident.

I'm not saying what happened was appropriate nor excusable, but time has passed. Wichita State now has to spend years getting its once spotless reputation back, and it will/should have to work hard for it. Look at it in an everyday life perspective: Christensen made a mistake. Don't we all?

Sean Thornton Emporia, Kan.

No big loss

I totally disagree with Rich Cimini's article on the Jets (TSN, May 1). Why all this doom and gloom because they lost one loud-mouth receiver and an egomanic coach? Sure, Keyshawn Johnson was a big, fearless "possession" receiver, and Bill Parcells was a great motivator. But wake up, Rich. This is NFL 2000. There are no more dominant teams.

In the AFC, outside of the Jaguars, Titans and Colts, the Jets are as good or better than all the other teams. As far as the salary cap mess the Jets are in, what makes them different from 90 percent of the other teams in the same situation?

Louis Tomaselli Morristown, N.J.

RELATED ARTICLE: Round table on Knight

When Pat Forde and Dave Kindred wrote on Bob Knight's latest incident, Knight supporters and critics were quick to voice their opinions.

"Certainly Forde and Kindred are reporting on Bobby Knight from different perspectives," writes Bob Kramer of Oradell, N.J. "However, I find Kindred's usual objectivity and to-the-core reporting missing. Perhaps Kindred is one of the few who believe Indiana President Myles Brand that there are no sacred cows at Indiana University ... blah, blah, blah. Or perhaps Kindred is comfortable with being almost as laughable as the IU administration when it comes to coach Knight(mare)."

William Monahan of Gillette, Wyo., says action needs to be taken.

"I cannot defend a man I do not know nor can I condemn him. I only wish Knight could grow beyond his anger, frustration and denial. And then step back and witness his manic moments from another's point of view, such as millions of college basketball fans around the country, watching on television and in person. One possible answer is called anger management. He needs it--now."

While Knight may not use ideal methods, David Utecht of Sonora, Calif., says not to forget the coach gets results.

"I don't agree with everything Knight has done, but he sure has helped a whole lot of young men succeed," writes Utecht. "Go, Bobby."

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