THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 1996 TAG: 9608140011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
Regarding ``He's shut out'' (Sports, Aug. 3): When I read the headline my first thought was, ``What a jerk to put something so cold and uncaring as a title on an article concerning a local athlete.''
My second thought was, ``What a slap in the face for the athlete, his family and friends.''
How do your editors think such a headline must have made Lawrence Johnson's family and friends feel when they opened up the paper that day?
Yes, Lawrence Johnson wound up eighth, and I'm sure it was disappointing. Does that mean he deserves any less respect because he didn't make it?
Is that how your paper thinks all the athletes who didn't get a gold medal should be treated?
Any athlete who made it to the Olympics and tried his or her best deserves our respect. Their dedication and determination should be applauded. While the article was less harsh, I am surprised and saddened to think that this is the best you could do for a headline for a local athlete who tried his best but lost.
LINDA BROWN
Norfolk, Aug. 6, 1996 by CNB