Murray Ripped, Praised for Defending Campanis

Jim Murray’s column on former Dodger executive Al Campanis was neither amusing nor illuminating; it was a disgusting piece that angers me greatly.

For reasons beyond my comprehension, Murray appears to be serving as an apologist for the words (and deeds) of Campanis. According to Murray, Campanis was “confused” the evening of April 6 when, appearing on the “Nightline” program, he spoke of the “lack of necessities” which, he contended, bars blacks from front office and on-field managerial positions in baseball.

Murray further asserts that Campanis was the injured party and that “Nightline” host Ted Koppel brought Campanis to the show on the pretext of asking him about Jackie Robinson, only to grill him on the hiring practices of the game. Anyone who saw or heard the broadcast knows better. Furthermore, in the midst of his absurdities, Koppel tried to provide Campanis with a graceful way out by asking if he seriously meant the terrible things he was saying.

At a time when this regrettable issue needs the keen wit and wisdom of a Murray, we get the narrow-minded and short-sighted perspective of a man who obviously knows not of what he writes.

DONNIE G. WALLACE

Downey