Don’t Look Now, but Football Is Here

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed this alarming pattern developing in Trojan football? Every year for the last four or five years, this program seems to lead the NCAA in injured players. This starts in training camp and continues all season long. When checking the pregame report, USC’s injury list is always three times longer than the opponent’s.

Here are some questions that need answers: Do you have a year-round training table for your players? Do they work out all year long in a state-of-the-art facility on campus? Are your fitness coaches and instructors as qualified as they should be?

All the major universities with successful football programs insist on training and facilities of this type. Given the cost of your tuition, and the wealth of most of your alumni, this should be available to your athletes.

“Tailback U” has been replaced by “Hamstring U.”

Bruce Alan

Granada Hills

It’ll be interesting to see how Bob Toledo deals with Ricky Manning’s arrest for felony assault with a deadly weapon. Based on the hard-line approach he took with Cory Paus’ drunk-driving charge last year, I’d say Mr. Manning can expect to be suspended for UCLA’s game against San Diego State.

Bob Skube

El Segundo

While Bruce Smith [Aug. 30] has a valid point regarding chop blocks and such ending linemen’s careers, I’m sick of him and others complaining about protecting quarterbacks. The next time anyone wants to complain, have him first stand still with arms up in the air and then have someone who outweighs him by at least 125 pounds and wearing much more padding come charging at him and pile-drive him into the ground. Then ask him again.

Mark Vitali

Simsbury, Conn.