Readers overreacted to players' comments, not meant to offend

I am writing in response to the plethora of complaints regarding the comment made by Gene Edgerson and Mike Bibby during the rally on April 1. GIVE IT A REST!! I am so glad we live in a world where there is nothing relevant to complain about, except for a sentence made by a couple of young men caught up in the moment. Why don't you spend your time complaining about the thousands of dollars the university spends on useless items such as the hideous arch in front of the CBS Building (you know the one, where none of the little scientists are wearing their safety goggles), rising tuition costs, or all the programs that have been cut from the budget? I guess you would rather chastise Mike and Gene weeks after they issued a formal, public apology.

First of all, I am sure that they were referring to the critics, mainly the media, who did not believe they had the desire or talent to win in Indianapolis. I seriously doubt they directed it to the tens of thousands of supporters in Arizona Stadium, many of whom were there hours before the team was scheduled to arrive. It's not like we're talking about athletes who abuse drugs, rape women, or show disrespect to officials, but two kids who were so overwhelmed with emotion that they did not think before they spoke. Big deal! I doubt there is anyone out there who hasn't said something they regret. However, they apologized and said they would not do anything to disrespect the program in the future. I, along with thousands of others, did not think twice when they said it, nor will I remember this team for it. Instead, I will remember Terry's tenacious defense, Dickerson's high-arching jumpshots, the alley-oops by Bibby and Davison, Simon's one-handed floating shots in the paint, the frontcourt play of Harris and Bramlett, the never-ending smile on Davison's face, and the enthusiastic support by the bench. This championship was the best graduation present I could have received.

To all those who took that comment personally, maybe you should take their advice!

By Leah R. Chavez (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 22, 1997