LETTERS: COACHES SET GREAT EXAMPLES, AREN'T TO BLAME

To the editor:

I'm writing in response to the Speak Out caller who blamed the Jackson hazing on sports. This so-called prank had absolutely nothing to do with sports by any means. Yes, the pranksters may have played football, but how do you blame the coaches and their desire to win for this?

As a high school student, I am very outraged and a bit scared about what went on in Jackson, but I still cannot see how sports and winning had anything to do with this. I play sports in high school, and I am very ashamed that an athlete would do such a thing and still be allowed to play.

These actions are embarrassing to athletes, schools and teen-agers. My coaches have all set great examples for their athletes, and by no means do they preach that as long as we are winning we are above the law.

DAVID UNTERREINER

Cape Girardeau