FanSpeak

A messed-up situation

I ENJOYED Jason Whitlock's commentary on the situation with Ricky Clemons of Mizzou, and the question was asked, "What do you think the future relationship should between Clemons and Mizzou?" To tell you the truth I don't know and I don't care because the situation with athletes is so ridiculous at this point that he's just one in another long line. We have the media, the sports world and colleges to blame for this mess, and high schools as well. From the time kids are little, they see athletes of all levels getting away with behavior that normal citizens would not. They see the same things with their teachers. These kids watch this from elementary age on up. I can remember my son telling me things that he'd seen from a coach at a basketball game in this area and saying, "but he's a coach so he can do that." Kids learn this, and we as a society have allowed this to go on. The whole situation's a mess.

He's hard to figure out

SOMETIMES I just don't have a clue what Jamie Hall is writing about in his column. Is he saying that it's time that Southeast move away from the Indian mascot? Or is he saying that mascot names should have a life separate from political considerations? It was fun to read his column, especially his remark about the Fighting Irish with a pipe bomb. But I'm baffled as to what the message was. Enlighten us, Jamie. What did you mean?

You're not alone. Even he isn't sure what he writes sometimes. But, he replies: "Southeast isn't helping itself by keeping a mascot it can't market or promote. Because of that fact alone, it's good to see the school reconsider its options."

Parents should help

THIS IS directed to all of the parents of Scott City youth baseball players who would not volunteer to help out so that a tournament could be held in Scott City. I am from Jackson and when we host a tournament, parents are more than happy to help out at the gates and wherever needed, so that our children can play. Scott City was scheduled to host a tournament, but had to cancel it on the day of the tournament because nobody would help. This shows a pure lack of support on the part of the parents. If you are not going to support your children then don't let them play. Also, congratulations to the Jackson 10-year-old boys who placed second at the regional.

Looking for court time

AFTER READING the nice article about tennis in the area, I was wondering why our kids who want to practice for the Central High School team can't play there during the week? It's such a nice new facility, but it's locked up every day except a few hours on Saturday and Sunday. Maybe the teams would be a bit better if they were allowed to pracrice there in the summer.