[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

As the father of two sons (11 and 14) both of whom play first base. I am going to make an observation that might seem odd.

While no player should be abused (and I do not mean in the child abuse way) since when do college (fill in sport here) sports exist to produce players for professional teams? For that matter, since when do high school (fill in sport here) sports exist to produce players for college and professional teams.

I am of the firm belief that a student attends college because he/she wants to get a college education and that college sports is an extracurricular activity of the educational process.

One can demonize the coach for abusing his players, if he really is abusing them, but the coach should not be demonized because he used his players in such a many that the team acheived as much success as possible with the talent that it possessed.

I think that part of the problem is that college and unversity presidents have forgotten to take control of their athletic departments and the tail is wagging the dog and not the other way around.

Just a obervation made through rose colored glasses.'

MTD, Sr.