In response to John Mehno's short article from May 5 in which he referred to the Steelers' recent clandestine behavior as "Raider-like," why are the Raiders always cast in a negative light?
It is true.
Al Davis and the Raiders organization is very secretive. Davis has always been this way and always will. But operating in confidentiality is not always bad.
Maybe Bruce Arians had somewhere to be. Maybe he chose not to talk to the press because he just didn't want to. Maybe Mike Tomlin wanted to answer the press himself. He is the head coach and obviously likes the attention.
I think this article from Mehno was another feeble attempt to deflect negative attention from his beloved Steelers.
Deal with your own problems. Don't try to drag others down with you.
As a Raider fan, I'll take Al Davis' eccentricity over being the fan of a franchise arrogant enough to think they are above controversy.
Jeff Ward
Hollidaysburg
Recruiting prevelant in Erie
In response to the letter on public vs. private schools in last Sunday's Mailbag ... this isn't complicated.
Private schools can have kids enrolled from anywhere. Public schools have geographic restictions.
It's that simple.
Regardless of sport or sex, talented kids, dedication, hard work, and good coaching wins state championships.
I can't speak for the Altoona area, but growing up in Erie, there certainly was no shortage of recruiting, er, strong inquiries about the prospects of bringing flame-throwing pitchers or country-strong linemen to specific schools.
I saw it first hand on dozens of occasions, so please spare me on that one.
Jeff Bartlett
Bellwood
PSU's next QB? Give nod to Jones
Penn State's two quarterbacks, Kevin Newsome vs. Matt McGloin, were boring and ineffective in the Blue-White game.
Both have much to do over the summer going into fall practice. My gut feel tells me it will be McGloin who will get the start over Newsome. He is a stronger-throwing QB who has got to better his timing and work on accuracy along with a softer touch in being on the same page as his receivers.
Newsome is too jittery, but he is a better runner than McGloin.
Having said the above, I strongly feel freshman Paul Jones is the better of the three quarterbacks and will emerge as the first-string quarterback sooner than later. He is confident and has a nice touch in throwing to his receivers.
He is more of a completed quarterback than either McGloin or Newsome. His strong point is he is a rollout QB but also can throw from the pocket.
Les Hart
Duncansville
