They’re not willing to negotiate

I am appalled by the 13 extortionists (supposed student-athletes) who would use COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter to “demand” money from the Pac-12. They are clearly misguided. In my world, requests go a lot further than “demands” and threats. I hope their “demands” are met with the silence they deserve. Brian Adams

Malibu ::

Thank you, Mark Ziegler, for the reality check of your article regarding the demands of football players. Only those who’ve been to college without athletic privilege understand what he is talking about. In a time where “white privilege” is told to take a seat, maybe those with “college-athlete privilege” should open their eyes and realize exactly what they continue to be given and appreciate it instead of ridiculously demanding more. Judy Thomsen

Glendora ::

John Lewis is smiling. Looks like we have some “good trouble” in the NCAA. Stay the course. Follow the money. This is war. Janet Layton

Seal Beach

Why play?

The biggest threat to this country’s survival is the ego of our leaders. Baseball is continuing because Rob Manfred wants to say, “I’m not a quitter?”

Neither was Custer, and he got a lot of people killed. Hans Ghaffari

Encino ::

“It’s so impressive that the Dodgers are keeping their promise to wear masks in the dugout,” said absolutely no one.

Who we gonna lose first? Greg Meyer

Los Angeles ::

In talking about living in the NBA bubble, LeBron James said “Nothing has ever compared to this. It’s a huge sacrifice we’re all making.” Perhaps James and his fellow NBA multimillionaires can arrange Zoom calls with U.S. troops serving overseas to get a few tips on how to handle their sacrifice. Gerry Swider

Sherman Oaks

Old story

Barely two weeks into the season with the best player in baseball on their side and the Angels are already done. They hold on to a middle infielder batting .200 (Rengifo) and continue to play Pujols and Upton, who might not hit .300 between them.

The attendance they have now is not much lower than if there were actual fans in the seats. Angels, you’ve done it again. Bob Goldstone

Corona del Mar

New ballgame

Seven-inning doubleheaders now? I can see where this is going. My prediction: The Dodgers win the World Series when Mookie Betts beats Gerrit Cole four games to three playing rock, paper, scissors. Russell Kraus

Rancho Palos Verdes ::

It’s funny, the universal DH has been in use now for two weeks and the Earth has managed not to spin off its axis. I know we miss the excitement of the rocketscience level double-switch and the bold strategic decision to bunt with a .120 hitter and a runner on first, but we’ll just have to make do with getting to watch nine major league hitters take their turn at bat. Craig Dunkin

La Crescenta

Role reversal Isn’t it funny, if a basketball player stands for the national anthem, he has to explain why? Edward Jimenez

Whittier

Guppy love

I wonder if Mike Trout wants his new son to follow in his base path? Beckham Aaron Trout. B.A.T. David Reid

Hollywood

Fanology majors

This was your Sunday headline: “Experts say playing before no fans can have a wide range of effects on athletes.” Excuse me? There are “experts” on playing in front of no fans? Bob Carson

Santa Paula

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