Men of steal aren’t super
The three knuckleheads said “I’m sorry” for being caught stealing items in China.
The head coach said “I’m sorry” I have to indefinitely suspend the three knuckleheads from basketball … which means “until Pac-12 Conference play starts.”
The AD said “I’m sorry” I have to return my BBB shoes back to LaVar so he can give them to Trump.
I’m sorry we all had to listen to a news conference from UCLA written by some sorry lawyers out of a scripted book saying “I’m sorry.” Dave Chavez
Arcadia
I’m a proud Bruin and I like seeing my school winning games. But not at the expense of moral integrity. The three basketball players seem poised to get a lesson that if you’re talented enough, you can get away with a crime, with few consequences. They have brought embarrassment on the school and should be suspended for the entire season. If they choose to transfer to another school, that’s worth it to do the right thing. Point them toward that ethically challenged school across town. Richard Schmittdiel
Glendale
Thanks for Bill Plaschke’s stories on the UCLA basketball thieves. We live in an ethics-free zone these days, where criminal behavior is frequently discounted as a “mistake” or “no big deal.” It’s depressing that our institutions of so-called higher learning have abdicated their moral position in society in the name of money — which is precisely what UCLA has done, no matter the dissembling baloney about “young men deserving second chances.”
I often disagree with Mr. Plaschke’s positions, but this time he’s spot-on. Michael Jenning
Van Nuys
Imagine this: Gelo Ball comes to the news apology conference wearing a BBB shirt. UCLA would’ve screamed bloody murder about exploiting this sacred national apology. But UCLA brings the three players to the microphones with Under Armour shirts in our faces (Under Armour gave UCLA $280 million) and Dan Guerrero has the unmitigated gall to lecture us about Bruin “values.” David Waldowski
Laguna Woods
Since LiAngelo Ball had some shopping problems in China, I just can’t believe the deafening silence from his father, LaVar. It’s like music to my ears. Chris Sorce
Fountain Valley
Another sport
UCLA alumni and fans are ungrateful. They are setting up Go Fund Me campaigns to fly “fire Jim Mora” banners over the campus and the Rose Bowl. Last time I checked, Mora had a one-game winning streak going. In Westwood that calls for a three-year extension. Fight on. Willis Barton
Los Angeles
Winning is not everything. Coach Jim Mora is a quality man and a leader. This has shown through time and time again as he’s faced the adversity that comes with the position as coach. I am proud to be a Bruin with him at the helm and know that he will bring us back to our days of glory. Go Bruins! Dick Selby
South Pasadena
Congratulations to the USC football team for winning the South division of the Pac-12, despite the Trojans’ habitual episodes of shoddy and undisciplined play. Now all coach Clay Helton has to do is convince his charges that blocking, tackling and pass defense are permitted, and that a game consists of four quarters, not just two or three. Lawrence Kates
Los Angeles
Pac it in
The Times’ article this week cited Friday night road losses by all four Pac-12 teams who had conference games the previous Saturday. However, in USC’s case another debilitating factor these past two seasons is these Friday night road losses followed conference road games the previous Saturday. Conspiracy theory? If you want to sabotage a team, schedule backto-back road games with the second road game played on a short week. Gerard Lollie
Altadena
The Hot Stove
I loved Dylan Hernandez’ tortured reasoning as to how Shohei Ohtani might be able to sign with the Dodgers. However, I feel there’s an overriding reason why I would prefer to see him sign with another team — I would be able to see him play more often on television during the course of the season than if he were to sign with the Dodgers. John Snyder
Newbury Park
Are the Dodgers really reconsidering re-signing Yu Darvish? What, Tom Niedenfuer and Brandon League weren’t available? Mark J. Featherstone
Windsor Hills
I have no concerns at all about Albert Pujols’ production over the final years of his ridiculous contract … just as long as the Angels have enough good hitters where he would be batting sixth in the lineup. Good luck, Mr. Eppler. Ron Reeve
Glendora
Court time
Seven-foot Brook Lopez grabbed two rebounds during last Saturday’s game. If Wilt (RIP) could convince St. Peter to unlock the Pearly Gates for a spell, I am convinced he could come back down here and grab more than that. Steve Briseno
Mission Viejo
One must wonder when Luke Walton is quoted as saying “there is no talk of moving Lonzo to the bench,” he is actually starting to bring up the subject of moving Lonzo to the bench. Jim B. Parsons
Carpenteria
The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used. Mail: Sports Viewpoint Los Angeles Times 202 W. 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Fax: (213) 237-4322 Email: sports@latimes.com