Letters: Readers discuss KU players’ conduct, Chiefs coaching and Archbishop Naumann
Unsportsmanlike
It was most disheartening to see the display of disrespect shown by the University of Kansas football players when they refused to shake hands with the opposing team during the coin toss at Saturday’s Oklahoma game in Lawrence. (Nov. 19, 5B, “OU routs KU amid feud”)
It was especially disappointing to see the two children invited to take part in the coin toss ritual witnessing this behavior. The apparent justification for this snub was pregame inspiration for the KU players. Given the 41-3 drubbing administered by the Sooners, it is very apparent who came away inspired.
In these recent days of public displays of disrespect, those of us interested in promoting ideals and habits of respect need to call attention to these unwanted examples of bad manners.
Our community, especially our youth, benefits far more by seeing examples of respectfulness, even in the face of competing ideas and goals. I expected better from KU.
Doug Washburn
Lenexa
Chiefs loss
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and his staff must go. They have repeatedly demonstrated they cannot control the clock, the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball or play calling, both offensively and defensively.
It is unfathomable to beat New England and Philadelphia, then turn around and lose four of five games while playing so poorly. This is an embarrassment to Kansas City, our fans and hopefully the organization.
Unfortunately, this has occurred more than once during Reid’s stay in Kansas City and many more seasons while he was in Philadelphia.
Granted, Andy is a nice guy and decent coach. However, he has proved he cannot lead his teams throughout entire seasons and demand player respect.
We must have better. This is about leadership, and, currently, there is none.
Jeff Hunt
Amarillo, Texas
What do the Chiefs and whales have in common? Flukes. At least, that is what it seems like.
After winning their first five games in grandiose style, including against the world champion Patriots, it seems that their first loss shook them to their core. And, aside from another fluke, the team hasn’t seemed able to recover.
All the switches in personnel and Andy Reid’s reassurances haven’t helped the situation thus far. The Chiefs need psychological help to get this losing monkey off their backs and put their heads back to winning again.
The talent is there, but if the Chiefs are going into every game not sure of themselves or with an inkling of doubt, the game is lost before it has begun.
Beating New England set the tone for the next four games, but what does it say when they lose in overtime to a team with a 1-8 record and with the number of interceptions thrown by a quarterback who was nearly perfect at the beginning?
If you have played sports or are into sports at all, you know that being mentally prepared is just as important as being physically ready. The Chiefs need a coach who will help them with their mental pushups.
T.H. “Tommy”
Ferraro
Sugar Creek
Another threat
A lot of people are worried about the possibility that North Korea will launch a nuclear attack that will lead to war. This isn’t a danger, because its leaders realize that starting a nuclear war would lead to the destruction of their country. But we should be concerned about the possibility of another kind of attack.
The country has a large network of hackers trained in cyberwarfare. They have already successfully broken into computer systems of other countries and stolen vital information. If you want confirmation of this, do an internet search for “North Korea cyberwarfare.”
We should consider the possibility that North Korea’s recent missile tests are a deliberate attempt to divert the world’s attention from their cyberwarfare capabilities.
Clyde Herrin
Bonner Springs
Vote of confidence
As a Catholic and diocesan parishioner, I am insulted by a Nov. 17 letter’s insinuation that our shepherd, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, has shirked his duty in reporting abuse. (14A) I believe this to be a false statement.
If you or someone you know has been abused, you, he or she should contact the proper authority with the name and pertinent information regarding the incident. If you wish to talk with Archbishop Naumann, you will find him an eager listener and very compassionate.
There are suitable venues for reporting any and all abuse. I encourage you to use them if you feel justified.
Jodie Van Meter
Overland Park
This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss KU players’ conduct, Chiefs coaching and Archbishop Naumann."